HARROGATE Railway are hoping to re-start their season tomorrow and banish the memory of their first desolate performance against Mickelover Sports.

Optimistic Rail had gone into the clash expecting a win but ended up being left in the blocks after a below-par performance.

But manager Martin Haresign has resolved to get over that disappointment and effectively start again when they host Sheffield at Starbeck.

He said: "I have never been involved in a match where so many players played so badly. We went in thinking 'we're a good team, we virtually only have to turn up to get a result' and everybody except perhaps Scott Bairstow was awful.

"There's no bigger test than Sheffield, who almost got promoted last season, so we need to start our season - because we haven't started it yet."

Andy Shuttleworth and Jamie Spence were both due to miss Wednesday night's game, which was cancelled, but should both be fit enough to return.

Selby Town will be looking to bounce back from their midweek 3-2 defeat to Shirebrook Town with a win against Glasshoughton Welfare.

The Robins had made a confident start against Long Eaton United but slipped up at Shirebrook Town.

To add to the situation, Matthew Wain incurred a suspected cracked rib and may miss out tomorrow as a result.

Pickering Town boss Steve Brown has promised his team a second chance after a miserable opening day showing - but has warned that it could be the last one.

The Pikes lost to newly promoted Shirebrook Town last Saturday - despite a strong pre-season workout - and must now face another new side in Long Eaton United.

Said Brown: "After the game I told them they will all get a second chance, it's just a question of whether or not they will get a third. It will bring them back down to earth again and they know that they are going to have to work for everything.

"We have got to address the things which we didn't get right and make sure we are on target this time."

Brian Dutton failed to make the final squad last weekend with his injury not quite clear, but Brown is hopeful he will be ready to go tomorrow.

Updated: 10:58 Friday, August 27, 2004