PICKERING Town will be in the hat for the second round of the FA Vase after toppling Sheffield 2-1 with a late strike - but they will not be joined by Selby Town and Tadcaster Albion.

Alex Willgrass saw his 35-yard effort tipped out of play and Michael McNaughton reacted first at the resulting corner to fire the Pikes into an 18th minute lead.

Sheffield equalised going into half time and the score remained locked between the two Northern Counties East League premier division sides until Baxter's injury time winner from long a Gavin Dickinson throw made sure of a place in the hat for the second round draw with the game taking place on November 20.

NCEL division one outfit Tadcaster Albion felt hard done by after matching Silsden for most of the game but lost 2-1.

Silsden, who had a goal difference of plus 23 for the previous six games, took advantage of a free kick on 44 minutes with Jimmy Spencer putting them in front after Tadcaster's Aaron Jackson had flashed the ball wide of the upright in the first ten minutes.

An identical free kick to the Brewers in the second half resulted in Silsden's second after a quick clearance.

Determined Tadcaster kept up the chase and were rewarded with a late goal when Matty Cressie's shot was deflected into the net by an unwitting defender but it was not enough to salvage the match.

Tadcaster manager Jim Collis said: "We peppered their goal without having any reward. I thought they were a very good side but, although we have had a bit of a bad patch, I thought that was the best we played.

"There's nothing to be disappointed about.

"I wish Silsden all the best for the next round but now we must look forward to the league."

Selby Town also failed to clear the FA Vase first round hurdle despite going ahead at Northern League Seaham Red Star.

Chris Kamara put the Robins into a commanding first half lead with his goal on 15 minutes but Seaham's Willie Crew responded with a second half brace to ensure their passage to the second round.

Updated: 11:42 Monday, October 25, 2004