Harrogate’s inability to convert pressure into goals condemned them to their third successive defeat.
Dave Merris was recalled into Town’s defence and Chris Hall replaced the injured Ashley Worsfold.
Brad Abbott’s angled drive flashed wide and Shane Killock had a far post header scrambled away as Town applied early pressure.
Motors began to threaten and the unmarked Stephen Tames should have given them the lead when he headed Danny Fearnehough’s cross well wide.
Fearnehough again made his presence felt when his shot from the edge of the area produced a fine save from Craig MacGillivray to concede a corner.
Town finished the half strongly with Adam Bolder shooting wide and Hall heading Adam Nowakowski’s deep cross just over the bar.
The decisive moment came six minutes after the break when,Karl Clair, raced through the Town defence to sidefoot past MacGillivray.
Town were stung into action and Craig Nelthorpe forced Zac Jones into a save at the foot of the post.
Michael Woods,who had replaced Abbott, announced his arrival with a delightful past inside the full back to set up Nowakowski,but Jones made a brave block to keep Town out.
As Town pushed forward, Motors began to catch them on the break and MacGillivray made a series of important saves to keep town in the game.
Referee Dermott allowed a generous five minutes stoppage time, and Town almost took full advantage.
Stephen Wainwright nearly put Steve Mallory’s centre through his own goal and the last action of the match saw Hall turn a Dave Merris centre just wide.
Town
1 MacGillivray, 2 Mallory, 3 Merris, 4 Bolder, 5 Bloomer, 6 Killock (c), 7 Nowakowski, 8 Abbott (Woods 68 mins), 9 Hall, 10 Nelthorpe, 11 Taylor, ( Hardy 81).
Unused subs, 14 Sellars, 15 Brown, 16 Samuels. Bookings Mallory,Bolder.
Att.267.
By John Harrison
