THE dust from their headline-spinning FA Cup run may just be settling, but the party continues for Harrogate Railway and their 'Baaaaa-my Army' as they go for glory in the FA Vase.

The Railwaymen - and their vocal band of followers - head to Newcastle Town tomorrow for the third round of the 'amateur' FA competition, with their minds set on lifting the title.

After knocking last year's champions out of the FA Cup, there has been a realisation among the Rail squad that they themselves can taste the highs of winning the Vase at West Ham's Upton Park home on May 10.

Boss Paul Marshall said: "The FA Vase has always been our target this season. Since beating Whitley Bay in the FA Cup, there has been a belief that 'if they can win it, why can't we?'.

"It will be a tough match though as Newcastle are unbeaten in 17 matches.

"We went to watch them last Saturday and they are a good team, but we have put in some good performances in this season's competition."

While their run to the second round of the FA Cup earned them a high-profile tie against Bristol City and their moment of fame on television, it has also put Rail up to be shot at.

"I think everyone wants to give us what for now," said Marshall.

"All the Northern Counties East League teams were proud of what we did and for putting the league on the map, but they will still want to give us a right pasting and Newcastle Town will be the same."

Rail did have a less important tie in the West Riding CFA Cup against neighbour Harrogate Town in mid-week, and although Marshall fielded a predominantly reserve squad, the impressive display from the youngsters has given him plenty to mull over.

Youngsters Greg Anderson, Paul Alsopp and Richard Metcalfe were among those that caught the eye of the Rail chief.

And with Ian McLean suspended and Mattie Flynn doubtful because of work commitments, there could be a call-up to the first team.

Danny Philpott is certain to replace McLean in the 16 that travels to Staffordshire, but if Flynn does miss out then Metcalfe could get the call.

Knockout action also pre-occupies Pickering Town, who will strive to apply a seconds out blow to bothersome FA Vase foes Causeway United.

The Pikes are still smarting over the abandonment of last week's initial third round encounter barely a third of the way through.

With the Pikes leading 1-0 through Luke Ibbetson and being denied further inroads by a series of fine saves from the visiting 'keeper, the tie was halted after an ankle injury to referee John Brandon.

Another official was to be drafted in, but Causeway claimed Brandon's replacement would be 'too local' and refused to agree to the switch, which needed the assent of both teams.

That forced the game to be called off leaving the hosts with a big bill to cover Causeway's travel expenses as well as the task of starting all over again. So it will not be surprising if the Pikes approach tomorrow's tie against their Halesowen-based rivals with more than a degree of revenge on their minds.

But manager Steve Brown warned that his men would have to tackle the reprised game in a professional manner.

"We should not think that just because we were leading at the time that it will be easy second time around," declared Brown.

"Last week's meeting is of no consequence. It's gone now. We start at 0-0 with 90 minutes to go and we will have to make sure we are switched on from the start."

Central defender Jody Chapman is still out with a twisted ankle. He has since been joined on the casualty list by right back Ben Rhodes, who has broken a bone in his nose thanks to a bout of 'horseplay', said Brown.

But the Pikes' boss was able to welcome back one-time York City youth team skipper Pete Vasey as the only change to last week's squad.

Selby Town manager Bob Lyons will demand a repeat of the character, if not the actual result, displayed in last week's 2-2 Northern Counties East League premier division draw at home to Brodsworth when they welcome Garforth Town to Flaxley Road tomorrow.

The Robins trailed 2-0, but rallied with goals from Nigel Oldfield and Andy Cygan for a share of the points.

Back on home turf against Garforth, Selby will need to start as they finished in their Brodsworth battle if they are to win and clamber above their visitors as both sides look back uneasily at the relegation trapdoor.

Tadcaster Albion - beset by their own fight against the drop in the NCEL first division - are without a game this weekend.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, December 13, 2002