OPTIMSITIC Paul Marshall believes his Pickering Town team will prove a match for anyone in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

The Pikes boss watched his side bounce back from their opening day loss at Handsworth Parramore by battering Northern League outfit Thornaby 4-0 in the FA Cup extra preliminary round at the Recreation Ground with a James Bennet brace and goals from Ged Dalton and Ryan Cooper.

Their reward was £1,500 and a home tie against Evo-Stik first division north outfit Clitheroe in the preliminary round and Marshall has seen enough in the opening two encounters to feel his squad can enjoy a profitable season.

"We will be fine," he said. "We have got a decent team. I am quite happy that, with this group of players I have got, we are going to be very competitive in every game. We knew we were half decent after the first game when we were beaten.

"We knew if we took the last 60 minutes from Handsworth into the Thornaby game we would be all right. It was a pleasing performance and it could have been a lot more. The FA Cup is a big deal for all non-league clubs.

"It is the biggest competition in the world and raises money for the smaller teams. The more games you can win at this level ensures the club is financially secure for a bit longer."

A trip to Garforth now awaits Marshall and his men and the Pikes chief has confirmed goalkeeper Peter Lawrie will remain between the sticks following his debut last week.

"Arran Reid (who mised the game) understands that if Peter did well he would continue," Marshall added. "If players are doing well they will stay in the team. I have got two good lads that I know will fight for their place."

On Garforth, he added: "It will be a tough game. With four away games to start the season, it was always going to be tough. I will watch them and see their strengths and weaknesses and put a game plan together but we can take confidence from Sunday's game."

Tadcaster Albion were simply five star when they crushed Athersley Recreation 5-0 in midweek. The Brewers now host Brigg Town at Ings Lane.

Selby Town go to Dronfield in Northern Counties East League division one, while Knaresborough Town are at Winterton Rangers. In Evo-Stik first division north, Harrogate Railway travel to Brighouse and Scarborough Athletic host Trafford.

Harrogate Town, 2-1 winners over Curzon Ashton on Monday night, will look to make it four wins in a row in National League North when Tamworth come to Wetherby Road.