PICKERING Town and Harrogate Railway go head to head tonight at the Recreation Ground in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Pickering want to climb further away from the relegation zone and will field a similar side to that which beat Eccleshill on Saturday, though Rob Eales is struggling with a knee injury and Jody Chapman comes into the squad.

Town boss Steve Brown said: "You always expect a hard game against Railway. They're going very well and they're on a good run of form so we know it will be difficult and we will have to play well to get a result."

Injury-hit Railway have seen Dean Wilson (back) join the sick list, while Liam Gray is also unavailable, but Steve Davey returns from illness and centre-back Greg Anderson from suspension.

Boss Paul Marshall said: "They beat us 3-1 at our place and their form has picked up as Steve Brown seems to be getting it right now.

"It's a derby game for me. I played a Pickering for a year, it's a nice little club and I always like to do well there."

Neighbours Harrogate Town could jump to sixth in the UniBond League premier division tonight if they beat Altrincham, who are one point below them, at Wetherby Road.

Selby Town completed a quick-fire double over high-flying FA Vase semi-finalists Brigg Town last night with a 1-0 win in the NCEL premier division.

Updated: 09:57 Tuesday, March 18, 2003