FORMER York City striker Alex Mathie will start in Pickering Town's Northern Counties East League President's Cup clash at Thackley tonight.

Pikes player-boss Mathie, now 35, scored as an 80th-minute substitute in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Armthorpe Welfare but insists he is only filling in as an emergency.

An injury to another Minstermen forward - Mark Wood - has left the Mill Lane club short on attacking options although youngster Steve Baxter has shown promise.

Mathie intends to use the first round tie to run the rule over Pickering's fringe players.

Goole travel to Selby Town in the same competition with manager Paul Marshall hoping to sign Ossett-based Buxton 'keeper John Scargill to ease a crisis between the sticks.

First-choice stopper Chris Hill is still suspended following his 35-day ban for a red card in the FA Cup against Winterton and young reserve Matty Colvin.

Goole have until 6pm today to sign Scargill and, if they are unsuccessful, Marshall will ask Bridlington's Gavin Kelly, who has played the last two games, to extend a favour.

Striker Craig Gorman and midfielder Anthony Weatherall are also banned with Mark Willoughby likely to be called up.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, October 12, 2004