York City's youth team enjoyed a 2-0 win over Selby Town at Flaxley Road last night to retain the Inshops Selby Day Centre Trophy.

Striker Adam Arthur got both the goals, with youth team assistant boss Brian Neaves saying it was a good run-out for the side.

"It was excellent," he said. "We had a very young team out, some of the players were only three weeks out of school, but they did okay and we were pleased with them.

"These are good games as they allow us to try different things that you might not be able to do in the season, and we're pleased with how it went."

Harrogate Town are expecting a big crowd at Wetherby Road tonight for their pre-season friendly against a Manchester City XI (KO 7.30pm).

The bulk of the Premiership giants' famous first team are away on a tour of Denmark but there are likely to be one or two big names in the side to take on John Reed's UniBond League men, including £5million striker Jon Macken.

The Citizens are set to bring a predominantly young team, similar to the one that beat Hyde United 2-0 last week, and, with boss Kevin Keegan away with the first team, will be led by former Scotland international Asa Hartford, now youth team boss at City.

Town lost their first pre-season match to a strong Hull City team but won their latest game 3-0 away to Armthorpe Welfare and will look for another good run-out.

Harrogate Railway will look for improvements after they lost in their latest pre-season match 5-1 at home to UniBond side Farsley Celtic on Saturday.

Pickering Town, who entertain York City's youth team on Friday (7.30pm), kicked off their pre-season programme with a 2-0 win at Hutton Cranswick with goals from Alex Wilgrass, with a penalty, and Gavin Dickinson.

The Pikes are in action again tonight, away at Leeper Hare York and District premier division outfit Pocklington Town, kick off 7pm.

Scarborough, whose defensive displays in a 6-4 win at Selby and a 3-1 defeat at Bridlington Town have displeased manager Russ Slade, will be hoping for a better show at Goole tonight (7.30pm).

He takes a team comprised almost totally of trialists to the Victoria Pleasure Ground ahead of the North Riding Senior Cup final against Middlesborough at the McCain Stadium tomorrow.

Slade said: "It's good for us really as I will have to play two settled sides as the Cup final against Middlesbrough tomorrow night only allows three substitutes, so my hands are tied in a way."

Middlesbrough will not be taking their strongest side tomorrow night as the first-team squad is in Spain but Slade expects a good test for what should be his first choice side.

"It will be a young Middlesbrough side but they will have some quality and I shall be looking for a better showing - especially from my defenders for this game."

David Pounder is doubtful after injuring a knee at Bridlington while Jack Williams, formerly of Birmingham City, will get another chance to show he is worth a deal.

Former Scarborough and Pickering Town player Derek Exley has been appointed joint manager of Humber Premier League side Driffield Town.

Exley, believed to be Boro's youngest-ever first-team player, will work with Neil Speight, the former manager of Scarborough and District League side Scalby.

Former Eastfield manager Exley also played for Whitby Town, Winterton Rangers, Bridlington Town and Bridlington Trinity.

Selby Town's Under-19 Youth Alliance squad are recruiting players. The Robins run a team in the Northern Youth Alliance and have been drawn at home to Eastwood Town in the League Cup and away to Lancaster in the FA Youth Trophy.

Manager Ken Baxter is looking to strengthen his squad and any teenagers who think they fit the bill can call him on 01405 761194.

Training takes place on Monday and Thursday evenings at 7pm at Selby's Flaxley Road ground.

Updated: 10:06 Tuesday, July 22, 2003