ON THE eve of their second successive promotion play-off match Malton & Norton feel they are stronger and better equipped to overcome tomorrow's opponents Middlesbrough at Acklam Park, kick-off 3pm.

Malton & Norton lost last year's end-of-season extras 14-11 at Morpeth. This year they find themselves in the same position having finished second to Bradford and Bingley.

Club spokesman Bill Laidler said: “We are looking forward to the play-off, which is a sudden death contest, but I think we are definitely stronger than we were at this time last year.”

Coach Chris Creber and his assistant Richard Webster have kept the nucleus of last season's side and brought in a couple of players who have bolstered the team, making them more resilient. This season they only lost four matches out of 26 compared to last season's six defeats.

Those in Malton’s squad who were involved in the promotion game last year are keen to make that experience at Morpeth count tomorrow which could give the Yorkshire One side the edge.

“We have played Middlesbrough plenty of times in recent years and we have had them watched in recent weeks, so we know what to expect,” explained Laidler.

"The outcome could depend on something like the weather in Middlesbrough, which the forecast says is due to to be changeable."

However, Malton have no qualms about playing the contest on the road. Of the 22 games they have won this season, 11 have been at home and the same away.

Their final league match of season - and what they hope was their last in Yorkshire One - was a confidence-raising 43-22 home win against a strong Hullensians side.

“We were able to rest some players last Saturday and used the bench to rest others within the game, so we are in good shape and there were no major disasters injury-wise,” added Laidler.

Malton's top scorer Zwelakhe Sodladla, who contributed 205 points to the season, is out serving a suspension for being sent off and will miss the play-off.

However, against Hullensians tries came from all areas of the team. Winger Ian Cooke made a significant contribution, prop Ben Boothman powered over for a try while full-back playmaker Sizwe Zondo and centre Rhys Bowdich linked up profitably.

Laidler added:"It's a one-off match and anything can happen but we are confident and we are ready."