HARROGATE Town face a tough trip to Barrow as they bid to emulate last year's FA Cup heroics.

The Wetherby Road boys reached the first round proper for the only time in the club's history last season before bowing out 6-1 to Nationwide Conference outfit Farnborough.

But their first match in this year's competition has seen them paired with fellow UniBond League Premier Division pace-setters Barrow, who are one spot behind third-placed Town in the table.

Harrogate will still be without the injured Robbie Whellans, Lennie Curtis, Michael Hord and Scott Bonsall but Glenn Naylor is available again for the second round qualifying match after suspension.

Meanwhile, Pickering Town boss Steve Brown has a fully fit squad to select from for tomorrow's FA Cup second round qualifying home clash against Ossett Albion.

The Pikes have yet to concede a goal in this year's competiton, having already seen off Brodsworth Welfare (1-0), Whitley Bay (2-0) and Bishop Auckland (1-0) and will make club history if they beat Ossett by reaching the FA Cup's third qualifying round for the first time.

Ossett are just one place below 11th-placed Pickering in the Northern Counties East League premier division table.

Sitting at the top of the premier set-up is a buoyant Selby Town.

Their midweek win over Eccleshill United opened up a healthy four-point gap between themselves and their vanquished rivals, plus second-placed Brigg Town.

The Robins entertain Mickleover Sports and, bizarrely, it is their home record they need to improve.

So far Selby boast a 100 per cent sequence with three consecutive triumphs on their travels, but back at Flaxley Road they have stumbled in their four outings so far, posting two draws to add to two victories.

At the other end of the premier set-up the heat is on for the Harrogate Railway management duo Dave Harrison and John Francis after a poor start to the season.

"The are under pressure," said Railway secretary Mick Gray. "They were brought in to do a job and unfortunately so far they are struggling to get results."

The pair were brought in at the start of the season from Garforth to replace York-based Paul Marshall, who enjoyed a great season in charge last season at Station View.

But Railway have endured a nightmare start, having won just one of their nine matches, so tomorrow's NCEL clash at Hallam is crucial.

Railway are third from bottom and are already out of the FA Cup and FA Vase - a far cry from last season when they basked in the glory of live television coverage when they entertained Bristol City in the second round of the FA Cup.

At least Railway have a full squad available for the trip to South Yorkshire which is more than can be said for first division Tadcaster Albion.

The Brewers travel to NCEL new boys Sutton Town on Saturday still without six key players.

Midfielders Richard Dale, Mark Marritt and Gareth Williams all miss the first division match because of injury, as does striker Anu Miah.

Mally Bolland and Richard Horsley are also on holiday but Barry Rankin should be back to bolster the midfield after a toe injury.

Tadcaster warmed up for the match with a 3-2 friendly defeat at premier division Ossett Albion with Gavin McCune and Gavin Day getting the visitors goals.

Updated: 10:25 Friday, September 26, 2003