Harrogate Town 2, Guiseley 3

A hat-trick from the penalty spot for Gavin Rothery banked the Lions a maximum from their Boxing Day derby at Harrogate Town’s CNG Stadium.

Rothery drilled all three spot-kicks in while Town failed when they were awarded one, Steve Drench pulling off a good save early in the second half.

The first award came midway through the first half when the Lions’ on-loan Leeds United forward Luke Parkin was fouled. Town came back with a free-kick from Shaun Killock ten minutes later.

But the Lions did take a lead into the interval following their second spot-kick. A handball five minutes from half-time saw the referee pointing to the spot again but Rothery had a long wait as treatment was given to Killock, who was injured in the move leading up to the ball into the area.

Drench made his save from Adam Boulder after Jake Lawlor had fouled Town striker Chris Hall but the home side did make it 2-2 soon after. Former Park Avenue defender Steve Mallory forced the ball home following a corner.

Rothery competed his rare treble of spot-kicks after Alex Johnson had been fouled by the Town keeper in the 71st minute, and the Lions held on to join their neighbours on 32 points ahead of the return at Nethermoor on New Year’s Day.

Mark Bower will have to galvanise his squad for another game before then as they attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 16 games when they host Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.