THE FA Trophy will hand Harrogate Town an almost unwelcome distraction from their title push in division one of the UniBond League.

Premier division outfit Colwyn Bay make the trip to Wetherby Road for the second round tie, but although there is £600 up for grabs for the winners, boss John Reed would prefer to be in league action.

"I think you should always try to progress in whatever competition you are in, and we will be giving it our best shot tomorrow, but you have got to have your priorities straight," said Reed. "By far the biggest thing for us this season will be getting promotion and that is what is constantly on my mind.

"I've always said that cup games are for players. Whether it is in the Trophy or the West Riding Cup, if you win through and get to the final that is a nice bonus for the players.

"But for me it is about winning promotion. I've won seven titles as a manager, which is more than most will ever win, but I'm not about to rest on my laurels now."

Despite Reed's league ambitions it will not stop him putting out his strongest possible side for the Welsh outfit, especially as he looks to eradicate the 'schoolboy defending' from Tuesday night's 5-3 win over Farsley Celtic.

"There was some atrocious defending," said Reed. "Wetherby Road had been a fortress for us this season until then, but we let ourselves down with some schoolboy defending.

"Words will be said before the game about how we play defensively, but I'm completely confident the same mistakes won't happen again."

Reed has been forced into changes defensively for the tie, with player-coach Neil Aspin (calf), Peter Atkinson (thigh) and Chris Hill (dislocated shoulder) all very doubtful.

Midfielder Scott Bonsall could also miss out after taking a bang to the nerve against Farsley.

Meanwhile, Reed has been dabbling in the transfer market to try to improve his side's promotion chances.

He has sold ex-skipper Scott Bairstow to Bradford Park Avenue for a nominal fee, while he is in talks to bring in one or two new faces.

"I'm hoping to make the trip to Gretna next week with a new player on the coach," added Reed. "I've spoken to Hull, Mansfield, Doncaster and Darlington about bringing in players on loan."

Also a separate bid for a UniBond League premier division player has failed come off after Town and the club failed to agree terms.

Updated: 12:40 Friday, November 02, 2001