9:51am Friday 13th November 2009
By Dave Flett
IMPROVING Pickering Town are expecting a full squad to travel to Winsford United in the second round of the FA Vase tomorrow.
Influential utility man Andy Park returned from injury to play the last 15 minutes of Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Hall Road Rangers – the Pikes’ third consecutive win – and will be pressing for a starting place against the Vodkat North West Counties League premier division hosts.
Last season’s leading marksman, Liam Salt, will also play an important part as Mark Wood’s men aim to reach the last 64 of the competition. Salt bagged a brace at the weekend – his first goals since returning to the club after an extended break abroad.
A cheque for £1,200 awaits the winners and, in contrast to Pickering, Cheshire side Winsford have lost their last five league games and slipped to fourth bottom in the table.
Their cup form has been better, though, with a 1-0 win at Oldham Town securing their passage into the Vase second round.
Perhaps the biggest tie of the day will see Northern Counties East League premier division leaders Scarborough Athletic play host to their landlords Bridlington, who lie just three points behind them in the table with three games in hand.
A crowd of 1,082 saw Scarborough win Saturday’s league meeting between the two clubs and a similar gate, if not larger, is expected at Queensgate.
In the league, first division leaders Tadcaster Albion defend their unbeaten home record against third-placed AFC Emley, who stand two points behind the Brewers and have won their last three fixtures.
Bottom-of-the-table Harrogate Town will be hoping to improve on a dismal Blue Square North record of eight defeats and one draw away from Wetherby Road this term when they travel to fellow strugglers Gainsborough Trinity.
Neighbours Harrogate Railway are also aiming to end a sorry run of eight losses and one draw with Radcliffe Borough their UniBond League first division north visitors.
Selby Town are without a game after being knocked out of the Vase 2-0 by Nelson but play host to Emley in the second round of the NCEL President’s Cup on Tuesday night.
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