PICKERING Town manager Paul Marshall has admitted defeat in the Northern Counties East League promotion race but insists his side are good enough to play at a higher level.

The Pikes, who host Liversedge tomorrow, will equal their best ever finish if they hold on to second spot in the premier division table but only the champions are promoted to Evo-Stik First Division North.

Leaders Cleethorpes Town are two points clear at the top of the table and, significantly, still have three games in hand on the Pikes who only have four more games to play.

Marshall, who is backing calls for a play-off system to be introduced in the NCEL, said: "Cleethorpes are too good a side to lose three games between now and the end of the season.

"But going up this season would not have fazed me because I know my current team is good enough to compete at the next level.

"We are one of six teams in our division who could finish mid-table in the Evo-Stik," he added. "It is ridiculous that there are no play-offs but I do think it will change eventually."

Curtis Woodhouse, the manager of third placed Bridlington Town, has this week described the absence of play-offs in the ninth tier of English football as 'beyond stupid'.

Cleethorpes moved a step closer to securing the title with a 6-1 away victory at fourth placed Thackley in midweek.

They host struggling Harrogate Railway Athletic who have lost nine of their last ten games.

Selby Town, who are unbeaten in six games, play host to leaders AFC Emley in NCEL division one.

Former Leeds United defender Matt Heath, 35, could play for Tadcaster Albion in next week's West Riding County Cup final against Farsley Celtic.

Heath, who played in the Premier League for his hometown club Leicester City over a decade ago, joined the Brewers two years ago and is assistant to manager Billy Miller.

He made his first appearance of the season in midweek as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Kendal and, afterwards, Miller said: "It was a little bit tactical. It means that he has been involved in a game now and is eligible for Tuesday night. It was important to get him on at the right time and that gives us a full squad to pick from next week."

The Brewers visit play-off contenders Colne tomorrow afternoon in Evo-Stik First Division North.

Scarborough Athletic, who are seventh in the table, will be looking to keep the pressure on Colne with a victory at home to basement club Burscough.

Harrogate Town, who have dropped to 11th in Vanarama National League North, host play-off contenders Salford City.