PICKERING Town boss Paul Marshall has targeted a ton haul of points for this Northern Counties East League premier season ahead of his side’s trip to local rivals Bridlington Town.

Marshall has also set Ryan Blott, the division’s top scorer, the goal of netting 50 for the season.

Both are feasible targets for the third-placed Pikes – with four games remaining, they could well augment their points total of 88 while 46-goal Blott will hit his with a strike a game.

Marshall said: “I set him (Blott) a target of 50 quite a while ago and told him a player of his ability should get that many at this standard.

“He was top scorer last season, but I didn’t think his return was good enough for him. He’s stepped up to the plate since and I hope there’s more from him.

“We did 98 (points) last season, which was my highest number as a manager.

“I also got more than 90 at Tadcaster, but I’ve never reached 100, so that would be nice, even though there’s a lot of work still to be done.

“All the games will be difficult but going to Brid will be really tough. Bridlington versus Pickering is a local rivalry and it’s a huge game for our club.

“Our players will need to stand up and be counted, because they are a very physical team and we will have to be strong enough to counter that.”

Harrogate Railway Athletic have two games left to escape the trapdoor, starting tomorrow at 13th-placed Garforth Town.

Division one champions Knaresborough Town visit Dronfield Town tomorrow following last night’s trip to Selby Town.

The Robins’ play-off bid looks all but over following three consecutive losses. On Tuesday, Town were beaten 3-1 at home to Campion, Joe Dale getting the only goal.

Tomorrow they host relegation-threatened Brigg Town.