HARROGATE Town have the chance to open up clear water between them and the chasing pack when they travel to North Ferriby United tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Victory against their UniBond League division one rivals would give fifth-placed Town some much-needed breathing space as the race for promotion hots up - even at this early stage.

Boss John Reed said: "It is a huge match as they will really want to beat us.

"But if our lads keep showing the same sort of spirit and desire as they have throughout the season - and there is a lot more to come on the playing front - then there shouldn't be a problem.

"We are focused on what we need to do as a victory would give us some breathing space."

Town will face seventh-placed North Ferriby without skipper Robbie Whellans (hamstring) and Scott Bonsall (shin).

Chris Hudson is also doubtful after missing Monday's FA Cup win over Burscough with 'flu, but Michael Ord is available after his operation to remove a lump was put back a month.

Pickering Town manager Jimmy Reid knows his side face another big tie when Northern Counties East League premier division rivals Garforth travel to the Recreation Ground tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

But having overcome their FA Cup heartache with a morale-boosting win against Eccleshill on Tuesday, the Pikes boss is confident of the outcome.

"It is another big game for us, as Garforth are up the top end of the table, but we are looking to build on our victory against Eccleshill," said Reid.

"They play very much like us, with the ball on the ground, so it should be an entertaining to watch at the very least."

However, Reid will have to do without ex-York City and Ayr United defender Andy McMillan (hamstring) and former Scarborough striker Alex Wilgrass (knee) as both are ruled out for at least a week with injuries.

Tadcaster Albion boss Wayne Day says he has no problem with reserve 'keeper Andy Philips stepping into the first team for tonight's division one clash with Gedling Town.

In last season's corresponding fixture, Day watched on in horror as James Hargreaves stepped up from the reserves to play between the sticks and proceeded to let in six goals.

The performance was so bad Hargreaves was released by the club after the game.

However, Day has no fear about former Farsley Celtic shot-stopper Philips replacing the unavailable Lee Adamson.

"At the moment we've got two quality 'keepers - both really are class acts, so I've no qualms about Andy coming in for us," said Day.

Day's only other doubt is over Martin Shaw, but Chris Bolland is on stand-by to step up.

Paul Marshall has set his Harrogate Railway Athletic charges a four-point aim as they look to build on their success in the FA Cup with Northern Counties East League premier division clashes against Thackley and Selby Town.

Rail', with one eye on their Cup third qualifying round tie against Blyth Spartans on October 13, travel to Thackley tomorrow (kick-off noon) before entertaining Selby on Monday (kick-off 7.45pm).

"Both Thackley and Selby are strong, organised sides, who we have to be prepared for mentally and physically," said Marshall.

"I'm looking to get four points from the two matches, but we could pick up six or quite easily get nothing - it is that close.

"I think we are as good as any side, but we need to be a bit more consistent. You cannot afford to be mediocre in this league."

Influential skipper Danny Ames is ruled out after damaging his right knee in Monday's night victory over Liversedge, while Mark Watkinson, Steve Hartley and Ian Hart are all at a wedding.

Jimmy Wright also misses out as he is away on holiday in America.

Marshall added: "It is a good job we have got a strong squad now otherwise we would have been struggling. All five are key players to us."

New signing Nigel Danby, a centre-half from Eccleshill, gets his first start, Adam Tye returns from suspension and on-loan Whitby Town midfielder Steve Haddon, formerly of Nestle Rowntree, gets his chance.

Selby Town warm-up for Monday night's clash against Railway with a home tie against Alfreton Town, kick-off 1pm.

But despite being unbeaten, Selby boss Bob Lyon knows his side will face their toughest test of the season.

"Hopefully we can keep our run going, as it is the home games you've got to win, but this will certainly be our biggest test of the season," he said.

"They've put a lot of money into the club and are expecting big things to come from it."

Moyles and Lee are both available again, although Lyon is yet to finalise his starting XI.

Goole meanwhile will be looking for a turn-around in their fortunes when they entertain fellow strugglers Brodsworth.

New manager Steve Richards, the former Hull City and Scarborough defender, watched his side crumble to a 2-0 reverse by Thackley on Tuesday, a defeat which leaves Goole struggling at the wrong end of the table.

Updated: 11:48 Friday, October 05, 2001