CONFIDENT Pickering Town manager Jimmy Reid believes his side will still finish in the top six of the Northern Counties East League Premier division.

The Pikes go to struggling Nostell Miners Welfare tomorrow on the back of a hotly-disputed 4-2 loss against Long Eaton United, where Reid was irritated by what he alleged to be a poor penalty decision and by an inability to convert chances.

With star striker Liam Salt bagging a fair number of his side’s goals this season, Reid is also looking for those playing around the formidable front-man to help to take the pressure off his back – and ensure the Pikes surge up the table from their current 12th place.

“It took us a few months to get going and Liam is one of the top goalscorers (in the division),” said Reid.

“We need a couple around him to weigh in and take the pressure off him. But I’m not disappointed with where we are. We will finish in the top six.”

Boosted after Ged Dalton rejected a seven-day approach from rivals Scarborough Athletic, Reid has also welcomed back Joel Ramm from the Seasiders.

Ramm, along with former skipper Tommy Adams, defected to Scarborough in the summer but Reid added: “We left the door open when he left us. He was on the bench on Saturday and he played the second half and did well. We are glad he is back and the door is still open for Tommy Adams if he wants to come back.

“Joel is an experienced player for a young lad and he is a very versatile player. He trains well and we are delighted he is back.”

A second half goal from Kallum Ward secured a point at Thackley for Tadcaster Albion in a 1-1 midweek draw and the Brewers will be hoping to add to that promising pick-up when they host Worksop Parramore in the premier division at Ings Lane tomorrow.

The game should provide a good indicator for manager Paul Marshall as to where his sixth-placed side stand with the league’s leaders, with Parramore five points ahead of Albion in second place – three points adrift of top-of-the-pile Bridlington.