SCARBOROUGH caretaker manager Neil Thompson goes head-to-head with his predecessor tomorrow in what could be Boro's toughest test of an already troublesome season.

Former boss Colin Addison returns to the McCain Stadium for the first time since leaving the club at the end of July, and brings with him runaway Conference leaders Yeovil Town.

Addison moved into the hotseat at Huish Park in mid-October after previous boss David Webb left to take over from former York City boss Alan Little at Division Three club Southend.

And since then, Town have opened a gap at the top of the table and last week enjoyed FA Cup giant-killing glory as they thrashed Division Two side Colchester 5-1 in round one.

Thompson, meanwhile, has had his hands tied as the Seadogs underwent major boardroom upheaval, and problems have now manifested themselves on the pitch where Boro have endured an eight-game winless sequence.

But the former York City chief was looking forward to the challenge. "It's a great game for us to get a result in, pitting our wits against the top of the table," he said.

"They've got to lose sometime and if we play to our potential there's no reason why we can't do it."

As for his predecessor, he said: "Colin Addison is a man I've got the utmost respect for as a football person and as a friend, and we'll welcome him back."

Addison said Boro would try to raise their game against his table-toppers, adding: "I keep in touch with everyone there and I'm looking forward to the match.

"Boro have got a very good side but we will have no fears."

Meanwhile, Thompson's chances of landing the permanent post at Boro have been boosted with the news that no other names have appeared in the managerial hat.

Despite Boro's poor run, Thomp-son - who was handed a three-month contract when taking over team affairs in August - is the favourite to get the permanent post when the club name their man later this month.

Chief executive Keith Agar said: "He understands the position of the club and knows what is needed, and my proposal will be that he is given the job - though at the end of the day other people will decide.

"The chairman or owner could come in with someone else, but I am not aware of anyone else being in the running."