Back from the brink

The club were on the verge of folding after the non-fulfilment of Saturday's clash against Rothwell Town - the accumulation of a number of problems over the season.

York RI had hoped the appointment of Dave Cousens as their new manager a month ago would solve their problems, but the situation has not improved - leading to Saturday's fiasco.

Club secretary, Shaun Barley said: "On Saturday and Sunday I thought that was it for the club.

"When I had to cancel the game (against Rothwell) I had visions that we would not get a team out this weekend.

"I honestly thought the league would default us, especially with the non-fulfilment of cup games previously, but they have been really good.

"However, after speaking to the league, they have given us one more chance to turn things around."

Barley believes the club have got a temporary solution until the end of the season with John Rayner, Brian Render and Brian Wilkinson taking over the reins.

The trio, who have all worked with the club in varying capacities over the years, have already started their work - by encouraging a number of ex-players back to the club.

However, RI face a real test when they take on leaders Sandy Lane in the West Yorkshire League first division tomorrow.

Anyone interested in playing for York RI should contact Barley on (01904) 799721.

In the WYL premier division, Nestl Rowntree will be without key players Brent Terry and Alex Dewhirst for the home tie with Pontefract Sports and Social - forcing assistant boss Jon Reynolds (pictured) to shuffle the side again.

"We have struggled to play a settled side this season," said Reynolds. "Every week we seem to change things around. It hasn't effective us too much, but it would be nice to have a settled line-up.

"Our plan is to gain as many points as we can before Christmas and then assess the situation from there."

Selby Town's Northern Counties East premier division title-winning credentials will come under close scrutiny tomorrow when they travel to fellow challengers Arnold Town.

Having seen Hallam reclaim top spot last week, because of the Robins' involvement in the League Cup, Selby are determined to move back into pole position.

Town are set to stick with the same squad which lost 1-0 to Goole in the NCE League Cup on Saturday, although two or three changes could be made to the starting line-up.

Harrogate Railway boss Paul Marshall feels his side must beat Glasshoughton Welfare tomorrow if they are to continue their development.

Marshall, with his assistant Mick Margis, have helped take the club on and now feel the Station View side should take the next step - by overcoming teams below them in the league.

Danny Ames, Mark Watkinson and Sal Njie all return, but Rail with have to do without Jimmy Wright, who has retired from the game, as well as Nigel Danby and Steve Haddon, who are both injured.

Marshall has also bolstered his squad with the signing of keeper Ed Neale, who has returned to the club after a spell in America, but the former crowd favourite will site out tomorrow's clash through injury.

Pickering Town will hope to do a 90-minute job on Denaby United tomorrow, unlike the last time the teams met. The Pikes then needed extra-time to win 2-0 in their FA Vase clash this season.

Hot-shot Craig Elliott could be a surprise inclusion for Harrogate Town's UniBond League division one tie at home to Kendal tomorrow.

Last season's leading marksman has just return from a long lay off with a knee injury, but Elliott showed he has lost none of his skills by scoring in a specially-arranged friendly on Wednesday.

And after netting one and hitting the bar in the run, Elliott could have earned himself a call-up.

Town have also recruited three trialist in Andrew Battesby, Elliott Webster and Venezuelan Alexandro Cremin, who has spent a year playing in Brazil.

Updated: 11:27 Friday, November 23, 2001