PAUL MARSHALL admits he is "apprehensive" ahead of returning to his former club Tadcaster Albion for the first time with Pickering Town, writes Tom Harle.

The two sides meet tonight in a Northern Counties Eastern League Premier division derby.

Marshall, who was in charge of the Brewers for seven years before his dismissal in May, watched his Pickering side lose an early lead for the second consecutive game against Thackley at the Recreation Ground on Tuesday evening.

James Bennett gave the Pikes the advantage, lobbing the keeper after seven minutes, only to see Thackley equalise before half-time and hang on for a point. Similarly, on Saturday against Pontefract Collieries, Ged Dalton’s strike was quickly cancelled out and they slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

Although his side hit the woodwork three times, Marshall’s biggest frustration was the injuries sustained to in-form Dalton and last season’s player of the year Nial Tilsley. Meanwhile, Denny Ingram and Tony Hackworth continue to serve suspensions.

“We’ve now played ten games in 31 days”, the Recreation Ground boss said. “We haven’t been able to push through a signing and, with all the injuries we’ve got, we will have to use some of the younger lads from the Under-21s. We’ve got to hope they come good for us. I would be happy to come away with a draw from Friday.”

Marshall still remains positive ahead of the trip to Tadcaster: “I’m apprehensive, going back to somewhere I managed for so long," he added. "Mainly, though, it will be great to see old faces, some whom I never got a chance to say goodbye to.

"It’s my birthday tomorrow, as well, so I look forward to few drinks in the bar afterwards. It will be a good occasion. "

He described the Tadcaster Albion job as a ‘good test’ for incumbent Billy Miller: “He’s done extremely well at clubs with small budgets, now he is at a club where he is expected to win every game.”

Miller himself is expecting a "cup final" at Ings Lane.

His side, who sit second in the table, should be at full strength after Liam Ormsby, Nick Thompson and Carl Stewart all trained this week. The Brewers boast a formidable home record, having won six of the seven games they have hosted this season.

Although he predicts a carnival atmosphere, the former Harrogate Railway chief has instructed his players to treat it as just another game.

He explained: “For the fans it will be about bragging rights and it will be their cup final game. I’ve told the players that we need 22 or 23 wins this season to go up. If another one comes on Friday, great, but if not we move on.”

Selby Town have secured the services of former York City youth team player Josh Bowkett and Hull United centre-half Lewis Rowbottom ahead of their FA Vase First Qualifying Round meeting with Westella VIP.

Although Rowbottom will be ineligible for the cup game, Will Ramsey’s suspension has been lifted and Liam Stonehouse and Chris Jackson are available after work commitments.

Robins manager Dave Ricardo is expecting a tough test.

He said: “They are a big, physical side who like to get the ball forward quickly. Defensively, we can get at them and I know we will have chances. We beat them in 1-0 in the League Cup earlier in the season, but we’re expecting a tougher game on Saturday. It will be an entertaining game and is a vital one for the club.”