CONGLETON Town finally ended their derby day jinx at Wincham Park with a battling 0-0 draw against Witton on Easter Monday.

But unfortunately, it's little consolation to the Bears with relegation now almost unavoidable.

Twelve points separates them from safety with just five games to play.

"You have to be realistic," said Congleton treasurer Ken Mead. "We're like Bradford and the fact is we're now as good as down, barring a miracle."

With Witton going well in seventh place and Peter Davenport unavailable due to veteran England commitments, it looked like another tough assignment.

But the Bears came out fighting and forged the better chances in a solid first-half.

Only Albion keeper Dean Greygoose kept them at bay with two stunning fingertip saves to deny Brown and Talks.

Witton picked up the pace after the break but failed to break Congleton down and the skills of John Paul Jones almost put the visitors in front.

Weaving in and out of two defenders, Jones unleashed a drive that travelled just wide of the upright.

Albion almost stole it at the death as Bishop slipped over but got a header off the ground into the path of Boyd, who fired the ball just over the bar.

At least the stalemate proved lessons had been learned after defensive lapses cost Congleton dear on Saturday.

Harrogate came from behind to pick up a 3-1 victory at Booth Street.

Well on top in the first with chances enjoyed by Davenport, Fagan and Washington, the Bears finally took a deserved lead, just after the break.

Harrogate's keeper fluffed a back pass and with Fagan racing towards him, he cleared the ball only as far as Davenport who buried it on 48 minutes.

Things looked good but a poor goal let the visitors back in on 57 minutes as a weak free-kick somehow found its way past the wall and keeper Taylor.

Washington almost re-established the lead on 62 minutes as he cut inside and dazzled a defender but saw his finish end over the bar.

Harrogate went in front on 76 minutes as a corner sailed through the defensive pack and was side-footed home before a miserable afternoon was completed as Taylor could only touch a 25-yard drive into the back of the net.

*Congleton are at home to North Ferriby United on Saturday and visit Vauxhall on Tuesday.