NORTHERN Counties East League premier division title-chasers Pickering Town will have to be on top form if they are to gun down high-flying Brigg Town.

Brigg, who made the headlines for their run into the FA Cup first round, are chasing further joy in the league race.

But if the Pikes are to pip leaders Alfreton Town to the title, they will need to halt Brigg's run.

Boss Jimmy Reid said: "They are a decent team and for the past three or four years they've had good runs in the FA Cup and FA Vase.

"It will be a big test for the boys and a chance for them to perform."

Reid is hopeful that York City defender Peter Vasey will have signed on in time to play his first game, while Simon Sturdy and Danny Farthing are both included in the squad after turning out against one another in midweek for York City and Lincoln City reserves respectively.

Selby Town could do Pickering a favour with a victory over third-placed Hallam at Flaxby Road.

The Sheffield-based are the form side in the league at present having moved up to second spot, but Selby are more than capable of upsetting the odds if they can recapture their early season form.

Boss Bob Lyon said: "Whereas last year we were tight at the back, and scoring one was enough, we seemed to have gone the other way at the moment.

"We are now scoring the goals, but we are being very lax at the back."

Nigel Oldfield and Alan Clayton could come back into the squad due to the absence of Ian Phillips (knee) and Ben Ward (suspended).

Harrogate Railway will be out to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat by Armthorpe in mid-break when they welcome Glapwell to Station View.

The Railwaymen had been on an impressive run of late, only for Armthorpe to bring them back to earth.

But Glapwell could feel the backlash as Paul Marshall's men look to secure their highest-ever finish.

Goole know they can afford no slip ups when they travel to lowly Borrowash Victoria.

With only a handful of points separating the clubs involved in the battle against relegation, every point is vital for Steve Richards' men.

A return to home pastures could be just what the doctor ordered for Tadcaster Albion when they entertain second-from-bottom Staveley in division one.

Having seen the clubhouse and pitch suffer from the recent floods, Tadcaster will play their first home match in over a month.

And with just three points separating the two sides, Taddy know they need a victory to avoid being pulled into the bottom two.

Updated: 12:07 Friday, March 08, 2002