PICKERING Town will have a couple of fresh faces in their squad tonight when Steve Brown's side play host to Spennymoor United (7.30pm).

Right-back Tom Reid, son of former Town boss Jimmy Reid, returns to Pickering after a season plying his trade with Whitby Town.

Also on duty will be Mark Wells, the former Scarborough and Huddersfield left-sided utility player.

After a win and a draw in their opening two friendlies, manager Brown admits his side are facing a step up in class tonight against a Spennymoor side bossed by former York City striker Alex Mathie and featuring ex-Minstermen Gary Hobson, Nick Richardson, John Collinson and Anthony Shandran.

"They will be a strong side, full of ex-professionals, so it will be a good test for us" said Brown.

"I'm satisfied with how things are progressing and I think we are pretty much where we need to be."

Harrogate Town are also in friendly action tonight at Ossett Albion (7.45pm).

Former York City loan star Mark Bower will miss Bradford City's start to the new season after damaging ankle ligaments.

The 23-year-old enjoyed two productive loan spells at Bootham Crescent in 2000 and 2001.

Updated: 11:05 Tuesday, July 29, 2003