Marshall backs Davey to end his goal famine

The Rail's recent surge was halted when they lost 1-0 away to Northern Counties East League premier division rivals Pickering Town in midweek.

But ahead of tomorrow's trek to the Derbyshire stronghold of Buxton, Marshall was confident his men would again display their rubber-ball qualities, even in spite of a lengthening injury list.

Said Marshall: "We've only had three defeats in the league since November and after the first two we've bounced back to get back to winning ways. We've always done that and that's what I want to see tomorrow."

Marshall was also keen for his leading scorer Davey to return to goal-plundering duty by ending what is developing into a rare mini-drought.

"Steve has gone five games without a goal and that's unusual for him, especially after he has already scored more than 30 goals this season," said The Rail boss. "We need to get Steve back scoring again.

"We've been creating chances with Andy Sunley the main provider. But we've been a bit light in midfield with the injuries."

That absence list has increased ahead of the trip to high-riding Buxton. Pete Wrigley is unavailable for the game, while midfielder Steve Haddon, who has been plagued with injury for most of the campaign, is out with an ankle knock. With on-loan Liam Gray pondering a return to his Farsley Celtic club, Rail's resources will be fully stretched.

However, the incentive for the visitors, who next Thursday travel to Bridlington Town for the first leg of their President's Cup final, is closing the gap on their hosts.

"We've not to think about the cup final at all. We've got to concentrate on Buxton because if we can beat them then we can go above them."

Young centre-back Greg Anderson is back from suspension to slot alongside Nigel Danby, who has been outstanding at the heart of the Rail defence.

Resurgent Pickering Town head for the NCEL premier division's anchor club Borrowash Victoria with a warning resounding in their ears.

Manager Steve Brown, thrilled by the conquest of Harrogate Railway, is determined that such a stirring display is now not wasted tomorrow against the division's strugglers.

"It's no use after producing such a good performance to beat Harrogate Railway if we then go and let ourselves down against Borrowash. The spirit is good among the lads and we need to keep it that way."

The Pikes' toppling of The Rail - courtesy of a first half strike from Mark Wood - extended the Recreation Ground outfit's upswing in form to six wins out of their last eight games.

"Harrogate Railway have had a great season so far. They have been fine ambassadors for our league with their FA Cup exploits, so it was good to beat them in what was a really competitive game," enthused Brown.

For the trip to lowly Borrowash the Pikes will give a late fitness test to front-man Gavin Dickinson, though they will be boosted by the return from injury of both defender Peter Vasey and midfielder Ricky Greening.

There's no game tomorrow for Selby Town after their scheduled clash against FA Vase semi-finalists Brigg Town was brought forward to earlier in the week, the Robins earning a superb 1-0 away win.

In the NCEL first division Tadcaster Albion entertain Mickleover Sports aiming to build on the 1-1 draw prised from the visit of Louth last week.

Harrogate Town boss John Reed will be back on the sidelines tomorrow when the in-form Wetherby Roaders entertain Marine in the UniBond League.

Reed, who missed the midweek 3-0 defeat of Altrincham following a family bereavement, is unlikely to tinker with his side, who have now gone six games unbeaten and thereby jumping to sixth spot in the premier division, the club's highest placing.

"I can't see the team changing," said Reed.

"At Barrow last week (a 2-1 win) it was the best team performance since I came back to the club two and a half years ago and, although we didn't play well on Tuesday, we still won 3-0, which says a lot."

Updated: 09:10 Friday, March 21, 2003