ESTABLISHING a "winning mentality" will be the key to progress for Pickering Town, according to manager Paul Marshall.

Consistency has eluded the Pikes in the Northern Counties Eastern League premier division. Their last seven games have featured three commanding wins, yet they have also suffered three defeats.

Ahead of tomorrow's game against Worksop Town, the Recreation Ground chief is now looking to ingrain a winning habit into his squad that he believes the club have lacked in recent seasons.

He explained: "The key ingredient now is a winning mentality.

"This is always something that Pickering Town have struggled with over the years. We've been capable of beating everyone, but also of losing to anyone.

"We need to learn how to win matches on a regular basis."

The team achieved Marshall's stated target of six points from last week's three games, despite losing narrowly at Clipstone, with victories against struggling opponents in Armthorpe Welfare and Brigg Town.

The former Tadcaster Albion boss was pleased that his side met his expectations last week, but remains realistic about the quality of their performances in doing so.

"We weren't at our best against Armthorpe, but we got the win" he admitted.

"We were unlucky to come away with nothing from Clipstone. Their goalkeeper made two world-class saves, and we deserved at least a draw from that. Against Brigg, we were very good."

Pickering will welcome back Niall Tilsley from suspension for their home game against Worksop and midfielder Sam Calvert may well be in contention for a return, despite feeling his groin in training this week.

Marshall has been delighted with his midfield of late, revealing that the goalscoring form of Ryan Cooper and Lewis Taylor has discouraged him from pursuing further acquisitions.

"We had looked at the possibility of making a couple of signings in midfield but the current lads are doing very well in the engine room." Marshall said.

"Ryan scored two on Saturday and is doing really well, as is Lewis. They are stepping up so we won't be looking at anyone else."

Having played Worksop on Wednesday night, the Brewers face another stiff test tomorrow in the shape of a trip to Cleethorpes Town. Cleethorpes are in an astonishing run of goalscoring form, having netted 15 goals in their last three games.

Billy Miller will have a full strength squad to pick from, aside from Josh Barrett, who continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.

In Northern Counties Eastern League division one, Selby Town manager Dave Ricardo says his team face a 'must-win game' against Worsbrough Bridge Athletic.

The Robins have only won once in their last five games in all competitions, and slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Shirebrook Town last Saturday.

Having kept his players in the dressing room for a lengthy post-mortem after the Shirebrook loss, Ricardo said: "We have an open changing-room. I thought it was an apt time to ask their players what their feelings were as individuals and as a collective to see how we can improve.

"At present, we are 14th in the league and don't deserve to be any higher."

Ricardo stated this side face a tough proposition tomorrow at Worsbrough: "It's a tough place to go," he added.

"They could have held the Winter Olympics there it's so much of a slope. They're not in the finest form at the moment but will be tough to beat. It's got to the stage now where it's a must-win game. I still have faith in the players, but they've just got to start doing it for me now."