It's derby day tomorrow in the Northern Counties East League division one, with Pickering Town playing host to Tadcaster Albion.

The Pikes are missing the trio of Dean McAuley (cartilage), Patrick Gaughan (hamstring) and Alex Wilgrass (groin), but last night were boosted by the signing of former Emley Under-19s star Matt Higginbottom, who last season captained premier division Garforth Town to victories in the NCEL League Cup and West Riding Cup.

Higginbottom, who turns 21 this month, is predominantly a centre-back but can play at full-back or in midfield.

Boss Jimmy Reid said: "He's got a bit of pedigree. He lives in Barnsley so he's showing commitment to come here and we're delighted to have him.

"We're looking forward to this derby, which starts a big seven days for us as we're away to Chester-le-Street in the FA Vase next week. We'll either sink or swim, so let's hope we end the seven days still swimming."

Tadcaster Albion boss Wayne Day will have Kevin Gilks available again after two weeks out and striker-cum-midfielder Martin Shaw, who joined the club a fortnight ago, also comes into the squad. Craig Antcliff and Matthew Jerome drop down to the reserves to make way.

Day said: "We're playing well and got a result last week for all our efforts in the previous five weeks with our first league win. If we carry on with the same attitude and commitment we will be looking to pick up more points tomorrow. The lads have got the ability."

In the premier division, Selby Town play their first game in a fortnight at home to Hallam, who have lost just one of their first six games of the campaign.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Town gained a draw on the opening day of the season despite going a goal down after just 25 seconds.

Harrogate Railway play host to high-riding Ossett Albion, while Goole travel to Liversedge.

Champions Nestl Rowntree will want to bounce back from their first defeat in 23 victorious West Yorkshire League games with a win in their derby clash with Knaresborough Town.

'Trees went down 3-0 at leaders new Carlton Athletic last week, but boss Jim Collis said: "We weren't too disappointed last week.

"We had a depleted side but football wise we were the better team and I was pleased in that sense, but we weren't strong enough in midfield and giving two daft goals away doesn't help."

Buoyant York RI will be looking for their third win of the season when they travel to Pontefract Sports Club in the West Yorkshire League premier division.

Despite last Saturday's 1-0 win at Nostell Miners Welfare, manager Brian Wilkinson has moved to strengthen his squad by signing teenager Lee Atkinson.

Atkinson, 18, was previously with Blackburn Rovers and is rumoured to be attracting the interest of Leeds United.