TADCASTER Albion are facing a three-way fight for the Northern Counties East League premier division title.

That was Brewers boss Paul Marshall’s assessment of the runin facing his table-topping side and pursuers Barton Town Old Boys and Brighouse Town.

Albion head to Long Eaton United tomorrow aiming to protect a twopoint lead over rivals who boast games in hand.

“We have got to keep up the pressure,”

said Marshall. “We are doing well - we are five games unbeaten.

A lot of players are hitting really good form.

“Brighouse are favourites, then Barton, then us. We have got to pick up as many points as possible and see what happens.”

Marshall believes the strength of his squad will be a key factor, adding: “We have not had as many good players on the books before.

“It is tough leaving players out.

Players like Terry Taylor and Danny Critchlow have been left out and they have done extremely well.”

Pickering Town head for Liversedge tasked with recovering from two successive NCEL premier division defeats.

After the 6-2 loss to Barton Town OB, the Pikes then suffered a 2-1 reverse to manager Mitch Cook’s old club Bridlington Town in midweek.

The Barton loss was harsh on the Pikes who fought back spiritedly after trailing 2-0 at half-time.

Said Cook: “We were pushing on so it gives it a bit of a false impression.”

In the NCEL first division, chop and change Selby Town host Pontefract buoyed by a midweek 3-2 downing of Dinnington Town.

The Robins flew into a 2-0 lead within 13 minutes after goals from debutant ex-York City winger Liam Shepherd and Gary Lumley. A 60thminute strike from Louis Blackwell confirmed the win to the relief of manager Jimmy Reid.

“We have been hit by injuries and then unavailability in midweek, so that there’s been an average of five changes a match in the last five games we’ve played. That lack of continuity is not helping.”

Also in division one, Knaresborough, who toppled Hallam 2-0 in midweek with goals from top scorer Colin Heath and Byron Littlefair, are at Clipstone.

Harrogate Town make the short trip to Bradford PA in the Conference North, while in the Evo-Stik League first division north, Harrogate Railway host Bamber Bridge and Scarborough Athletic trek to Chasetown in first division south.