HARRIERS cemented fourth place in this season’s National League North table after a 3-1 win at relegated North Ferriby United.

The victory meant the reds are guarenteed a home fixture in the ‘Eliminator’ round of play-off matches, thanks to goals from George Waring, Joe Ironside and Lee Vaughan on a day that boss John Eustace elected to ring the changes.

Waring was handed a rare start – as was Andre Brown – while Nathan Vaughan made his first start for the club for four years. Joel Taylor was back in the line-up, while the likes of Elton Ngwatala and Brandon Hall were rested.

It was a comfortable afternoon without ever seeing Harriers at their sparkling best. They were in the ascendency when the scores were opened a little after the quarter-hour mark, Waring reacting superbly at the far post to turn home a cross after a smart O’Connor knock-on.

Not long after it was 2-0 as top scorer Joe Ironside nudged home from close range, but attentions soon turned elsewhere after Fraser Horsfall was forced off with an injury after landing awkwardly – Eustace confirming after the game that the move was largely precautionary.

Nathan Vaughan was alive to the danger not long into the second half as he threw himself at Clappison’s shot, before Harrison saw a shot deflected off a Harriers man soon after. Unable to build on those opportunities, North Ferriby were punished as the reds made it 3-0 minutes later as the advancing Lee Vaughan arrowed his volley into the corner, making no mistake.

It was then a turnaround – Harriers were made to pay for not taking a chance when Weeks struck off target when the home side pulled one back on 76 minutes through Mail who turned the ball in off the upright after a corner delivery wasn’t dealt with.

There were some rare skirmishes as Ferriby sought to get back further into the game – Lofts clipping the post with one attempt – but Harriers always looked assured enough and almost added a late goal of their own through Brown’s excellent solo work. He weaved through two or three challenges and fed Weeks, but the midfielder could only fire at goalkeeper Durant.

HARRIERS: N Vaughan, L Vaughan, O’Connor, Horsfall (Digie 27), Taylor, Croasdale (Austin 67), McQuilkin (Truslove 70), Weeks, Waring, Ironside, Brown.

Subs: Sonupé, Ngwatala.

Attendance: 331 Referee: Samuel Barratt