Flashes from the famous Harrogate Railway cup run will be to the fore when Goole host Clitheroe in the first round qualifying tomorrow.

Goole boss Paul Marshall and midfielder Jimmy Gore will come face-to-face with Paul Stansfield - but only after a full-blooded 90 minutes on the pitch with everything to play for.

The trio shared in the highs of Railway's 2002/03 cup run but loyalties will be split.

Said Marshall: "Paul Stansfield played in our Railway cup team so we know he's going to be a tough one to mark and

he and Jimmy Gore will be scrapping it out in midfield.

"I want to do well in the FA Cup this year. We've said we'll try and have a run but it won't be easy tomorrow - they beat Bishop Auckland 4-1 last Saturday and they've had a rest during the week."

The game also gives Marshall a chance to re-settle his troops after a disappointing 3-2 loss on Tuesday - their first of the season - and pocket a welcome £2,250 cash prize.

Pickering Town manager Alex Mathie is seriously considering pulling on his boots for tomorrow's qualifying clash at home to Farsley Celtic with at least six players out.

The former York City striker joined the Pikes as player/boss last season but quit playing at the end of the campaign. Now with more than half a team sidelined by work and injury, he has been forced to turn to the youth team - and has not ruled himself out of a return.

Alex Willgrass (back), Neil Wood (knee) and Paul Adams are injured, Adams hurt in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Maltby Main. Dean MacAuley, deputising for Willgrass, is suspended, Michael McNaughton is on fire service duty and James Drinkall is also working.

Mathie said: "We're struggling for a team so we're going to turn to the young lads. They've got enthusiasm and they've got the will to work but you have got to have some experience - especially when you're playing someone of the calibre of Farsley Celtic.

"It's difficult but you can only play with the cards you've got - and I might end up getting my boots on yet."

Farsley Celtic finished third in the UniBond League premier division last season and are a recognised northern non-League giant making the odds tough for Northern Counties East League premier division boys Pickering.

Updated: 10:35 Friday, September 09, 2005