BUOYED by a six of the best start to his caretaker reign, Tony Hackworth will be in charge of Pickering Town for at least the next two games.

Hackworth, the assistant to Mitch Cook who was sacked last week, took charge of the Pikes for the midweek League Cup visit of Northern Counties East League premier division rivals Barton Town Old Boys.

And the former Leeds United and Scarborough striker, who confined himself to the bench, saw his charges rattle up a 6-0 win.

Indeed, just after an hour's play, Pickering led 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from striker Billy Logan and two goals from Joe Danby. The six-hit show was confirmed with a late effort from young substitute Ryan Woodhead.

Club chairman Keith Usher confirmed that while a flurry of applications for the manager's job were to be sifted through, Hackworth would remain at the helm for tomorrow's top-flight visit of Liversedge and also the North Riding Senior Cup tie against Scarborough Athletic at Bridlington next Tuesday.

Usher added: "We have had nine applications for the manager's role.

"We are hoping to whittle that list down this week. I would then hope to interview candidates on Monday if they are available. Hopefully there will be an announcement on the new manager next Wednesday, so for now Tony Hackworth will be in charge of team matters."

Down in the NCEL first division, Selby Town head to anchor outfit Grimsby Borough with manager Dave Riccardo having the rare luxury of a full squad at his disposal.

"Even our physio is back," quipped Riccardo as he welcomed defender Jack Binns and striker Liam Wilkin for his second game after marking his debut with two goals from just two chances.

Said the Robins boss: "Liam's an out and out scorer and Jack gives us great balance at left-back both in defence and attack, so we should have no excuses tomorrow.

"We know Grimsby are at the bottom but the last time we played a side there, we lost at home to Hallam. If that is not a warning then I don't know what is.

"We've got to be a full tilt tomorrow to get the win we desire and put us in good shape for next week's League Cup quarter-final at Tadcaster Albion."

In the same division, Knaresborough Town are at home to Eccleshill United.

Both Harrogate sides entertain visitors tomorrow - Harrogate Town are up against Worcester City in the Conference North, with Harrogate Railway Athletic playing host to Ossett Town in division one north of the Evo-Stik League.

Also at home in division one north are Scarborough Athletic with Bamber Bridge from Preston heading to the east coast.