PICKERING Town boss Tony Hackworth is targeting a top-eight finish in the Northern Counties East League – possibly even top six.

The Pikes’ form has picked up since Hackworth took the reins from the axed Mitch Cook in mid-November, with only four defeats in the last 12 games in all competitions – including six wins in nine premier division fixtures, the last being Saturday’s 4-1 triumph at lowly Glasshoughton Welfare.

That run has left them in the middle of the table in 11th, eight points off sixth-placed Bridlington Town, with Thackley visiting Mill Lane tomorrow.

Said Hackworth: “When I first came we were adrift of teams in ninth or tenth but we had a decent run a few weeks ago and we got back to winning ways on Saturday.

“We have a tough run coming up when we face Shaw Lane Aquaforce, Tadcaster Albion and Staveley in a week but at the moment we’re playing teams around us and below us and there’s no reason why we can’t have a run again and get into the top eight, top six.

“The top five are away from everyone else but if we keep picking up points, getting into the top eight or top six is a target.”

Knaresborough host Grimsby Borough in NCEL division one, where Selby Town head to Hall Road Rangers smarting from a 4-1 hammering by Hemsworth Miners Welfare in midweek.

Dane Mortimer levelled an early penalty from the visitors, but then Selby collapsed to a three-goal blitz in seven minutes just before half-time.

In the Evo-Stik League first division north, sixth-placed Harrogate Railway Athletic welcome leaders Darlington 1883, while fourth-placed Scarborough Athletic travel to Droylsden in fifth.

Harrogate Town journey to Fylde in the Conference North.