HARROGATE Town will attempt to make significant in-roads in their bid to 'do a Manchester United' when they entertain Bamber Bridge in the UniBond League Chairman's Cup.

The competition, in which Town were beaten finalists last season, is one of three routes to silverware the club are chasing.

As well as the quarter-finals of the Chairman's Cup, the Wetherby Roaders are also in the last eight of the West Riding County Cup, while they have a three-point lead and four games in hand at the top of the UL first division.

And boss John Reed wants to finish the season with a treble success - la Manchester United's famous hat-trick in 1999/2000.

"That treble is there until the players take it away from me," he said. "I'm all geared up for it and so are the players, what a marvellous season this could be if it comes off."

But before Town start trying to make some extra space in their trophy cabinet, they will have to see off the challenge of premier division Bamber.

Town will be without skipper Robbie Whellans and former York City striker Iain Dunn (both hamstring injuries), while Scott Bonsall is doubtful with the 'flu.

Darren Fell and Jason Harris will battle it out to replace Whellans, while Michael Ord could step in for Bonsall.

Harrogate Railway will be out to topple another of the Northern Counties East premier division promotion hopefuls when Brigg Town come to Station View.

Hallam were knocked from third to fourth spot as they fell foul to the free-scoring club on Saturday and Brigg will have to be wary of the same fate.

Paul Marshall's men have netted 21 times in five games - compared to just 20 in previous 13 - to shoot up the standings.

And, with the club announcing they are to push towards achieving UniBond League status - an announcement was made following a meeting of the football and management committee this week - it is games like this they will need to win.

Ian Hart misses tomorrow's game through suspension, so Steve Davey will start.

Pickering Town players have been left in no doubt what will be expected of them when they entertain struggling Buxton.

Boss Jimmy Reid was left contemplating his future after they were sent spinning out the FA Vase after a below-par display against unfancied Tiptree United.

And after mulling over the defeat, Reid has come out all guns blazing.

"I was absolutely fuming," he said. "I'd just got over the Accrington Stanley defeat in the FA Cup, then they go and do this. They do my head in.

"They are such a good set of players, with loads of skill, but they let me down.

"We've got four games coming up and they will be crucial. If things don't improve then I will let five or six of them go and play youngsters who want to play."

Joe Corner and Richard Dale both return to the squad, while Phil O'Reilly could start after injury forced him to sit among the substitutes on Saturday.

After seeing his side's winless run continue Selby Town chief Bob Lyon is hoping for some joy against Denaby United.

Selby were held to a 0-0 draw by Thackley on Saturday so desperately need all three points from Saturday's trip to the Doncaster-based side.

But having shown marked improvements in their performance, Lyon wants his side to take the next step and win.

Lyon will stick with the same 14 from Thackley.

Having seen their revival come of the rails with a 4-1 thumping by Armthorpe, Steve Richards' Goole side will attempt to restore their pride against fellow mid-table outfit Glapwell.

In division one of the NCEL, Tadcaster Albion will face a mountain to climb when they take on leaders Gedling Town.

Wayne Day's men have found themselves dragged into a five-way scrap at the bottom, despite making big strides compared to last season.

North Riding Cup semi-finalists Nestl Rowntree return to West Yorkshire League premier division action when they entertain fellow challengers Whitkirk Wanderers.

Having played more games than all their title rivals, the leaders know they cannot afford any more of the slip ups which blighted the early season challenge.

"There are four teams behind us, all with games in hand, so we can't afford to drop many more points," said assistant-boss Jon Reynolds. "But the commitment we showed at Richmond in the North Riding Cup (a game 'Trees won 2-0 despite being reduced to ten men) was superb and if we can match that then I can't see anything to worry about."

Updated: 12:32 Friday, January 25, 2002