Leesley sent off but leaders hold firm

A QUICK brace for the visitors left the Reds with a mountain to climb as the league leaders took just two minutes to open the scores.

Jack Emmett twisted around in the box before being tripped by Tom Platt. Former Alfreton striker Joe Leesley smashed down the middle from 12 yards to give Harrogate an early lead.

The pair were involved again just five minutes later, Leesley with a run down the left before squaring for Emmett, who slid to place the ball into the corner.

Tom Allan gave the Reds hope going into the break with a header from a Brendan Daniels free-kick.

The league leaders’ slender lead was jeopardised minutes into the second half when Leesley received a second yellow card for a shirt pull.

But for some top-class shotstopping Alfreton were good money for three points.

Daniels with a free-kick tipped over the bar and Allan with two fine headers pushed away were among the highlights.

Alfreton manager John McDermott said that he was “pleased as punch” with his players despite the home defeat. STAR MAN: James Belshaw (Harrogate) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★