Railway rescue neighbour's Cup dream

Harrogate Railway Athletic are playing good neighbours on Wednesday night after riding to the rescue of Harrogate Town.

The Conference North club were losing a race against time to get their waterlogged pitch ready for their FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay with Hyde United but the Evo-Stik NPL First Division North's Rail stepped in to lend them their Station View ground.

Saturday's tie saw former Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division champions Hyde held to a 1-1 draw at home and the replay's winner head to Torquay United on Saturday in the FA Cup First Round Proper.

Unlike Town's pitch which is sodden after weeks of heavy weather undermined recent levelling and reseeding work, Railway's is in good condition thanks to a £5000 plus summer makeover to improve drainage.

Club Secretary Mike Sunley said the club was happy to act as good neighbours and will step in again if needed over the remainder of the campaign.

He said: "We've a fantastic new clubhouse and the pitch is in very good nick so we were only too happy to help our neighbours out. With the next round tie due this weekend they were anxious to get the game played and their Chairman Irving Weaver approached us to see it it was possible.

"We have invested quite a lot of money on our pitch this pre-season and we were only too willing to let them come down the road and play the game. If needed, we will do the same again."