Harrogate Town will be aiming for their fourth cup final in as many years when they travel to UniBond League division one side Workington on Saturday in the penultimate round of the UniBond President's Cup.

Manager John Reed has made it to eight semi-finals and reached the final in the last three, and is now hoping to make it a fab four.

He said: "I've got a good feeling about tomorrow. I was just looking through my records as a manager over the last few years and we've made eight semi-finals on the trot and this is a chance to make it four finals in four years."

Town are carrying no injuries, but will have to do without York City loanee Aron Wilford, who is cup-tied, and Neil Aspin, who starts a three-week suspension.

That leaves the way for 19-year-old front-man Curtis Price to start on the bench. Negotiations are also on-going to secure an unnamed Darlington midfielder on loan.

Pickering Town are itching to get back into playing after a three-game lay-off due to the weather.

Manager Steve Brown said he is optimistic that tomorrow's Northern Counties East League premier division game against basement side Brodsworth Welfare will go ahead after a long-awaited thaw arrived in the town this week.

He said: "Having missed three games we are keen to get back and we are all fit and raring to go. The forecast is good and the pitch has dried out significantly so we are optimistic."

Town starlet Luke Ibbotson, the former York City junior, is expected to return to the fold. The promising striker is currently studying in America but has returned to North Yorkshire for two weeks and Brown is hoping he will be available.

Improving Harrogate Railway have been hit by a minor player crisis with five key players out ahead of their visit to lowly Arnold Town.

Steve Davey is still suspended and Liam Gray heads a list of other absentees. He is recording with his band in London, while skipper and influential centre-half Damian Henderson is on a course with the fire service.

Right-back Damian Holmes hurt his groin in training on Wednesday, and James Feather-stone picked up a thigh injury when he was sent off last week.

Boss Martin Haresign said: "Last week we had a good side out but didn't play and this week we are struggling a little bit. It's just the way it goes.

"It may be fortunate in who we are playing but it will still be a struggle.

"We beat them 5-4 in my second or third game in charge and I'm hoping it won't be quite as free-scoring as that."

Another bottom three side, Glapwell, will be in the region when they travel to Goole, who are looking to continue their unbeaten form.

Eighth-placed Goole have beaten high-fliers Ossett Albion and drawn with Eastwood Town in their last two games and will be hoping to make it three in a row with a maximum points haul tomorrow.

Cameron Stuart is back from suspension and Kev Smith is hopeful of a return after missing Tuesday's match with a knock, and Ian Hart is also on the road to recovery.

York City youngster Mike McKenzie is likely to make another appearance in a Goole shirt after joining for work experience.

Tadcaster Albion visit high-fliers Shirebrook Town in NCEL division one.

Updated: 10:52 Friday, March 05, 2004