RADCLIFFE Borough remain five points and two places above the drop zone in Evo-Stik First Division North after being held to a goalless draw at home to relegation rivals Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Elliot Rokka and Tom Hulme missed good chances to earn a vital three points against the second-bottom side, who were reduced to 10 men late in the game after Simon Parkes was sent off for violent conduct.

It was a frustrating afternoon at the Belvoir Stadium for manager Danny Johnson and his men, who went into the game on the back of a 5-1 win against Premier Division side Ashton United in the Manchester Premier Cup.

Jody Banim was handed his first home start, while new signing Mark Bainbridge, who moved in midweek from Witton Albion, made his debut in defence.

Rokka shot wide in the opening exchanges, while Hulme skimmed the upright with a ferocious shot. Banim was at the heart of everything and was unlucky not to connect with a cross with the goal at his mercy.

However, Harrogate responded well and Dan Barrett had a goal ruled out for offside.

Rokka spurned the best chance of the half, shooting wide after breaking clear, and Boro keeper Chris Cheetham kept the score level with a number of fine saves.

Hulme clipped the bar with a shot after the break before Parkes was given his marching orders.