CHAMPIONS-ELECT Harrogate Town go to Witton Albion tomorrow seeking the single point they need to guarantee the UniBond League division one title.

Town go into the game in buoyant mood after lifting the West Riding County FA Cup with a 4-0 thumping of Farsley on Wednesday, a performance manager John Reed described as the best of the season.

And the former Goole boss reckoned his players will be able to shrug off the nerves to complete a memorable quick-fire double.

"We'll be going with all guns blazing trying to get that last point to make mathematically sure of the title," he told the Evening Press.

"People are a bit edgy but if we play anything like we did on Wednesday nobody in this league would be able to keep with us."

Reed has named the same 18-strong squad on duty on Wednesday night to travel to Cheshire.

Pickering Town have the chance to test themselves against the best and also exact revenge as they take on Northern Counties East League money-bags Alfreton Town.

The Pikes, 15 points adrift of leaders Alfreton but with two games in hand, could still mathematically win the league but boss Jimmy Reid has written off their chances, and it appears the only real contenders are reigning champions Brigg Town, who lie three points behind.

Reid has already set his sights on next year but is keen to get one over on their Derbyshire foes, who boast the likes of former Newcastle United left-back John Beresford and Sheffield United striker Tony Agana in their ranks.

"They are the big money-men of the league," said Reid.

"They beat us 3-0 away and it was a case of men versus boys, they bullied us a bit. But a lot of my boys have grown up since then and this game will let us have a look at how well we play against the best team in the league.

"They've got a lot of good players and we gave them too much time, space and respect last time, but there won't be any of that tomorrow.

"I will be disappointed if we don't give them a good game and get at least a draw. We will be wound up ready to go and we will get about them."

Reid will be without Mark Dickenson who will be attending his brother's wedding.

Seventh-placed Selby Town could jump a place if they win at Glapwell, while Goole visit third-placed Hallam.

Paul James (shin) is ruled out of Tadcaster Albion's home division one match against Lough United, though Simon Haddock and Les Nelson return to the squad after missing Tuesday's harsh 1-0 defeat by leaders Gedling.

Nestl Rowntree will be expecting a full complement of West Yorkshire League premier division points as they visit bottom club Armley Athletic, while Knaresborough Town will have a battle to beat Pontefract Sports and Social.

Updated: 12:00 Friday, April 19, 2002