WHATEVER the score at the end of 90 minutes at Station View, Pickering Town boss Jimmy Reid and his Harrogate Railway Paul Marshall counterpart are sure to have smiles on their faces.

The two old pals, who have played each other on numerous occasions in the past, are already planning the post-match celebration or commiseration.

"I've already spoken to Marsh's wife and he will be buying the first round!" said Reid.

"Whatever happens though, we will have a couple of drinks after.

"He used to kick enough when we played each other, and I wouldn't be surprised if he kicked me again before the match for old times sake!

"I'm really looking forward to it as I know a lot of the people down at Harrogate Railway, while the players have played with or against each other in the past."

Marshall is also looking forward to locking horns with his friend in this Northern Counties East League premier division clash.

"It's going to be interesting. He will want to beat me and I'll want to beat him, but as long as it is a good game then that is important," he said.

There is a big difference in the two side's league position at the moment, with The Pikes sitting pretty in fourth spot and Rail down in 15th, but Reid believes this will count for little.

"I think their league position is a bit false," he said. "They've had a lot of cup games which has seen them drop down, but they have got games in hand."

Marshall added his respect for the Pikes team. He said: "Pickering are a quality team - the best in the league.

"I predicted they would win the title before the season started, and everyone laughed at me, but they are proving everyone wrong now."

Marshall could start with Ed Neale in goal as Rob Montgomery has a virus, while Steve Hadden (injury), Paul Stansfield (returned to Harrogate Town) and Nigel Danby (suspension) are all out.

Selby Town will line-up against some familiar faces when they entertain Garforth.

Andy Sharp, Nick Baxter and Paul Roberts have all flown the Robins' nest and are expected to take on their former colleagues tomorrow.

"It is a local derby, with the three ex-players at Garforth now," said boss Bob Lyon. "I think they will be out to prove a point to me for letting them go."

Town will stick to the same XI which picked up a sensational 2-0 victory at Arnold Town last week.

Tadcaster Albion will be looking to pick up a hat-trick of victories over Rossington Main in division one.

Having beaten the Doncaster-based side in the divisional cup and in the league in successive games, Taddy make the trip to Rossington confident of win number three.

Updated: 12:47 Friday, November 30, 2001