Stalybridge did the double over Harrogate in Blue Square North with a 3-0 win following the recent 4-0 drubbing.

Yet despite the scoreline manager Simon Weaver felt the 3-0 loss was a much improved display.

"The performance and the attitude were miles better," he told BBC Radio York.

"In the first 15 minutes we were really closing them down, the game plan was working well. The difference was they had more quality in advanced areas."

Former York City and Farsley players Liam Shepherd and Josh Radcliffe made debuts solid enough to satisfy Weaver.

"Josh, at centre-half, was very competitive, vocal, and looked like he's been part of the furniture for quite some time.

"Liam's a real talent. He's got a really bright future. He's got a lot of pace, a few tricks up his sleeve, but the most pleasing thing is his attitude."

Central-midfielder Dave Syers and right-winger Roy Stamer have also joined Town from Farsley and will shortly make their debuts too.

Weaver also has recent signings Martin Foster and Peter Knox to return after suspension, the former in time for the visit of Blue Square North leaders Fleetwood next Saturday.

Town are still five points adrift at the bottom with 11 games to go, and will need to climb at least one place, and possibly two, to avoid relegation.

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