Harrogate Town 0-0 Hucknall Town

In a match where both teams needed to win but for very different reasons, neither did.

The point that was shared was no good whatsoever: it failed to secure Harrogate Town's play-off place and it condemned Hucknall Town to relegation and a season in the Unibond Premier next term. The Harrogate Town fans' deafening silence at the full-time whistle spoke volumes of what they thought of it all.

Both teams will look back on this and be retrospectively kicking themselves about the chances they had, although the bruises on Hucknall's backsides will be that little bit blacker. The Nottinghamshire side could have nicked it in the second half; the clearest opportunity falling to substitute Ricketts who, with the goal at his mercy, headed down into the ground and subsequently straight into the arms of the Harrogate 'keeper.

To be frank, Harrogate f*cked around too much when their chances came. With a bit more clinical application they might have waltzed away with the three points that would have done them the world of good; instead, frustrating procrastination in front of goal has left them and their supporters looking over their shoulders as they occupy the last play-off spot, just one point ahead of pursuers Southport.

Despite the goallessness this was an enjoyable match - every bit as tense as you would expect between two teams in such positions - and came away feeling that we had still picked the right contest for our "gatecrashing". We must do this more often when Cheadle aren't playing.

Many, many thanks to Polardin's Harrogate-based cousin (and family) who provided us with pre- and post-match cups of tea and the transport to and from the ground. Stars!

Photos from the day can be seen by clicking here