SAM DENTON will make his debut for Pickering Town against Maltby Main tomorrow after moving from North Yorkshire rivals Harrogate Railway Athletic.

The former Scarborough and Guiseley centreback spent just over two months with Railway after leaving Handsworth Parramore.

Pikes manager Paul Marshall swooped for Denton after captain Niall Tilsley picked up a four game ban for a sending-off against Scarborough in the North Riding Senior Cup semi-final.

Denton has won the Northern Counties East League premier division title twice in the last four years with Shaw Lane and Scarborough. His other previous clubs include North Ferriby United and Farsley Celtic.

Marshall, meanwhile, has warned his players to keep up the chase for the title - despite suffering a 4-1 defeat last weekend at leaders Cleethorpes Town.

The Pikes blew a golden opportunity to go top of the table as Cleethorpes scored four times in the space of just 14 second half minutes.

The result moved Cleethorpes five points above the Pikes (who remain in second spot) and, significantly, they still have a game in hand.

“It was disappointing to lose the game because of 15 minutes of madness,” said Marshall. “But overall, I am still very proud of my players and we won’t be giving up the fight."

Commenting on Denton's arrival, Marshall said: "Sam is a big old fashioned centreback who has won the league before and has plenty of experience. I am sure he will be a good signing for the club."

The Pikes had been without the services of six key players last weekend – Ryan Blott, Nick Thompson, Nathan Kamara, Russ Parker, Denny Ingram, and Ged Dalton – which, according to Marshall, had been a ‘massive blow’ going into the game.

Defender Alex Robinson also had to be replaced by teenager Joe Dunnett after vomiting on the pitch during the build-up to Cleethorpes’ opening goal.

There are still 12 games to play and Cleethorpes could yet be distracted by the FA Vase after becoming the first NCEL side in five years to reach the last four of the competition.

They are one step away from a first ever trip to Wembley and play Midland League division one club Bromsgrove Sporting this month in a two-legged semi-final.

Harrogate Railway, who are still looking for a new manager after the resignation of Paul Beesley, host fourth placed Thackley tomorrow.

The club is also at the centre of an investigation by the league for allegedly fielding a cup-tied player in the League Cup.

Railway's quarter-final at Hallam on Wednesday night was postponed after the alleged offence came to light.

The tie will remain postponed until the matter has been discussed by the league's management board

Knaresborough Town, who are still chasing a play-off place in NCEL division one, visit Ollerton Town.

Three wins from the last four games have left Paul Stansfield's side just four points behind sixth-placed Grimsby Boro. The postponed midweek game at Worsbrough Bridge Athletic has been re-arranged for March 21.

Mid-table Selby Town visit Winterton Rangers.