A VASTLY improved performance from the previous weekend saw Clitheroe unlucky not to leave Harrogate with a point.

Four new debutants continued Simon Garner’s recent policy of blooding new players in the team, with Cial Callagher, 18, starting at centre back, 17-year-old Bryn Potter on the right wing, and duo Paul Coote and Matt McNamara spearheading the attack.

And it was new boy Coote who opened the scoring after four minutes, stabbing home a cross from McNamara.

But goals either side of half time by Nathan Cartman and Colin Hunter saw Harrogate take the lead which was then extended when Hunter grabbed a second in the 73rd minute.

Jake Shawcross pulled one back in the last minute.

* Padiham’s game at home to Burscough was postponed.