FIRST plays second tonight in a crucial Northern Counties East League premier division derby at Flaxley Road.

Leaders Selby Town host local rivals Goole with the top of the table bragging rights at stake.

Selby are currently top with 53 points, while Goole closed the gap to just two points after a 2-0 win on Saturday, which means a win tonight will see them leapfrog their neighbours.

Both are gunning for the one promotion spot to the UniBond.

Paul Marshall's Goole are expected to have Pat Gaughan, brother of Joe, their latest signing on board for the match after he made his debut on Saturday.

Pickering Town, meanwhile, will be hoping to erase Saturday's shock defeat to Arnold Town as a blip with the visit of Glasshoughton Welfare.

It is the fourth consecutive home game in the league for the Pikes, and they will be keen to use one of their remaining games in hand on the rest of the top five wisely against 15th placed Glasshoughton.

Both games kick off at 7.45pm.

Division one side South Normanton Athletic have been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in a league match.

Updated: 10:25 Tuesday, February 15, 2005