PICKERING TOWN return to Northern Counties East League premier division action with a trip to newly-promoted Brighouse Town tomorrow (kick off 3pm).

Manager Mark Wood’s men take on a side which finished a point behind Tadcaster Albion last term in the first ever meeting between the teams.

Pikes completed their pre- season programme with a 2-1 defeat against a Middlesbrough XI – Chris Batchelor scoring a 25-yard screamer against a strong, young Boro side.

David Guillo and Charlie Wyke, with eight minutes remaining, got Middlesbrough’s goals.

Wood said he is looking forward to the season ahead and believes his side can challenge at the top of the table.

“We have a strong squad in what promises to be a very competitive league this season,” he said. “Pre-season training has been sharp, fitness levels are good and we could face our first seven league games away from home.

“This depends on our FA Cup progress.

“Against Middlesbrough we had a very good game. We lost by the odd goal but we missed so many clear cut chances, which was unbelievable. All our 18-man squad did very well and we still have Andy Park, who is back in training after his recent operation, and Dave Thompson to come back into the squad.”

Brighouse finished last season with 73 points from 34 games. They scored 80 goals but also conceded 41. A coach to the game will leave the Recreation Club, Mill Lane, Pickering, at 11.45am.

On Tuesday, the Pikes travel to Hemsworth Miners Welfare in the first round of the President’s Cup.