PICKERING Town manager Paul Marshall says Billy Logan’s departure to Scarborough Athletic leaves a “massive” hole to be filled in his promotion-chasing side.

Logan performed a shock U-turn by joining the Evo-Stik First Division North club just a week after committing his future to the Pikes.

The former Mansfield Town striker, who also played for Scarborough six years ago, had been out of semi-professional football for two years prior to joining the Pikes in November.

His tally of nine goals in 11 games helped Pickering close the gap on Northern Counties East League premier division leaders Cleethorpes to nine points but also alerted rival clubs to his return.

Marshall said: “I am very disappointed to lose Billy because we had a good chat at the end of last week and he said he was going to stay until the end of the season. But he rang me on Tuesday night to say that it was too big a chance and he wanted to play at a higher level.

“His goals have been vital to us in recent weeks, so it leaves us with a massive hole to fill,” added Marshall.

“But we were near the top of the table without him and and now we will try to find a replacement.”

Marshall invited Nick Black to join the Pikes yesterday but the former Tadcaster Albion striker is not ready to return to the semi-professional scene.

The Pikes host fourth-placed Thackley at Mill Lane tomorrow.

Midfielder Tom Claisse, a new arrival from Handsworth Parramore, is ruled out after being called up for duty this weekend by the Royal Air Force. Midfielder Eddie Birch is also suspended.

Logan, meanwhile, goes straight into the Scarborough squad for their trip to Brighouse Town.

“I was enjoying my football with Pickering Town and I want to thank everyone there for giving me the opportunity,” he said.

“But I’ve got my hunger back now and I want to give football a real go. I want to test myself at a better standard again, just to see what I can do.

“I have unfinished business at Scarborough because things didn’t go right for me when I was there eight years ago,” added Logan.

“I’ve spent three years in the Saturday League with West Pier and our lass has had a baby. I think that time away has done me a world of good.”

Scarborough have also signed former Grimsby Town defender Jacob Norburn, who has just returned from a spell in Italy with Benevento.

Harrogate Railway Athletic entertain Armthorpe Welfare, who are locked in a battle against relegation from the NCEL Premier.

Striker Callum Rzonca could make his debut for Harrogate Town against FC United of Manchester in Vanarama National League North after leaving York City on loan.

Former AFC Emley striker Ruben Jerome, the brother of Norwich City striker Cameron, has also signed for the club following his release by Southport.

Selby Town are hosting Yorkshire Amateurs in the NCE League first division, while Knaresborough Town are away at Shirebrook Town.