MALTON and Norton will look to move into the promotion positions in Yorkshire Two when they face Skipton tomorrow.

Pat Stephenson's men are just two points off West Park Bramhope in second spot, but with a game in hand and a massive points difference advantage, they could steal the march on their Leeds rivals.

Centre duo Tim Chapman and Andy Whalley are both missing, with Whalley set to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a serious break to his right leg.

Will Barber and Liam Cowton are likely to team up in their absence, with Aussie Jason Simpson continuing at full-back.

In the pack, Richard Webster moves up into the second row at the expense of Jim Fisher, who is on the bench, with David Cooke coming in on the back row.

Pocklington School pupil Lewis Papa will remain with the squad after coming off the bench and scoring a try against Northallerton last week.

After travelling to Skipton last week, Pocklington are just down the road this Saturday at Ilkley.

They hope that three-quarter Rob Jackson flies home fit after a fornight's safari in Kenya where he met up with former Pock, Selby and Wakefield prop Simon Welford.

Also in the three-quarters, Pocklington give a belated debut to Stamford Bridge teenager Gareth Allan. The Woldgate School centre or wing was in outstanding form for the Panthers in the first three months of the season.

He was poised to be promoted as soon as he passed his 18th birthday, only to then break his ankle in training.

He has worked his way back to full fitness and two good run outs with the Panthers have earned him his senior call-up in place of the unavailable Rich Williams.

Supporters are welcome on the team coach which leaves Percy Road at 12.15pm.

York and Selby are in friendly action, with Andy Gair's men heading to Beverley and Goole the visitors to Sandhill Lane.

Updated: 11:26 Friday, March 07, 2003