Pickering Town player/manager Alex Mathie is on crutches after snapping a hamstring and trapping a nerve in his back in the Northern Counties East League Cup win over Yorkshire Amateur.

The 36-year-old forward was taken off by ambulance after trapping his studs in the turf and feeling his leg go. He is now facing two to three months out.

The first match of that lay-off is tomorrow's visit of Oldham Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.

Last year, the Pikes were knocked out in extra time of the fourth round proper and another run would highlight an already strong season.

Oldham Town are seventh in division two of the North West Counties Football League, the equivalent of NCEL division one.

Long-term injuries Dean MacAuley and Alex Willgrass are still out, and Mathie is waiting on news from Lee Pallender, who has been suffering from a virus.

Selby Town's Kev Graham is also facing a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a spiral fracture - one where the bone twists apart - in the shin.

The centre-half will be out for at least two months, and the bad news for Selby is his obvious replacement, Phil O'Reilly, is doubtful for tomorrow's Vase encounter against Hereford-based Midland Alliance side Westfields after needing hospital treatment for a cut eye in training on Tuesday.

Mike McKenzie is also sidelined by an ankle problem, but fingers are crossed for Russell Barley, while Chris Kamara is due to return from injury.

Assistant manager Gary Cygan said: "We are expecting a tough game. Hopefully though we won't get a draw and have to go there on a Tuesday night."

Harrogate Railway face NWCFL division one side Cammell Laird at home.

Cammell Laird have had a big season in knockout competitions so far, having made it to an FA Cup third qualifying round replay. More cup glory will surely be on their minds.

Goole are in UniBond League division one action at home to play-off contenders Kidsgrove Athletic, desperately seeking a boost under caretaker player/manager Nigel Danby.

Updated: 11:10 Friday, November 18, 2005