HARROGATE Town chief John Reed has got a few surprises in store when UniBond League division one title-favourites Radcliffe Borough make the trip to Wetherby Road tomorrow.

Reed, who feels his players have not been up to scratch over the past few games, has promised changes as Town look to topple Borough.

"I've got a game plan for Radcliffe and hopefully it will come off," said Reed.

"They are, in my opinion, the best team in the league. They've some good players and pass the ball around really well, but I've got something up my sleeves.

"There will be one or two different personnel and a different shape to the side."

Ashley Connor is definitely ruled out of the match, with Chris Hill to remain between the sticks.

Selby Town can make top spot in the Northern Counties East League premier division their own if they beat struggling Glasshoughton Welfare at home.

With close rivals Hallam involved in FA Vase action, Town can give themselves some breathing space at the top.

An excellent 90 minutes in mid-week has lifted confidence at Tadcaster Albion ahead of the visit of their bogey team, Yorkshire Amateur, in division one of the NCEL.

Taddy progressed through the first round of the Wilkinson Sword Trophy on Tuesday night with a 3-2 win over Parkgate.

Now Wayne Day's men believe they can end the stranglehold Amateur have over them.

Unfortunately, Lee Adamson (ribs) and Steve Batley (work) will miss the game, while there are doubts over the fitness of Mally Bolland (shin) and Dave Ward (foot).

Andy Philips, Darren Wilson and Richard Howley will all return though.

Nestl Rowntree's assistant boss, Jon Reynolds, believes his side will find how far they have come this season when they take on Teesside League outfit Thornaby in the first round of the North Riding CFA County Cup (kick-off 2.30pm).

Nestl beat Thornaby 2-1 at home at the same stage last season, but it took two goals in the last five minutes to nick the result, and this time Reynolds' men will make the trip to the North East.

"We are expecting a tough game as they are a good side," said Reynolds.

"Last season our toughest matches were all in this competition against sides from the North East.

"We had a poor start and have picked up in recent weeks, but tomorrow will be a good pointer to how far we have come."

After suffering an embarrassing 11-1 rout at the weekend, York Railway Institute boss Paul Clamp is hoping to get a full squad out for their North Riding County Cup clash at Nunthorpe Athletic.

A handful of players opted to stay in the pub to watch Leeds against Liverpool, leaving Clamp with the bare bones of a team.

But he is hoping for more commitment ahead of the difficult tie.

"We've spoken to all the players and they said would be down to training, but we will have to wait and see," said Clamp.

"If we are at full strength I think we will be in with a shout of getting a result, but it will not be easy."

Last year's runners-up, Bishopthorpe, who lost out to a late goal in the final to Kirkbymoorside, begin this season's County Cup quest away to Ryedale SC.

The York and District League side had entered last season's competition by mistake, having wanted to go into the less prestigious NRCFA Challenge Cup. But, now knowing the standard is not too good for them, are keen to have another crack at County Cup glory.

Cup holders Kirkbymoorside begin the defence of their trophy away to Acklam Steelworks.

Updated: 11:21 Friday, October 19, 2001