PICKERING Town have bolstered their squad for the Northern Counties East League premier division run-in by bringing Liam Shepherd back from Whitby Town.

The in-form Pikes host Athersley Recreation on Saturday (3pm) looking to make it five wins on the bounce and boss Paul Marshall has confirmed former York City junior Shepherd will go straight into the squad after returning from two years with the Evo-Stik League premier division club.

Going out of the revolving door, meanwhile is young George Foster, who has signed for injury-hit Evo-Stik division one north strugglers Harrogate Railway.

Said Marshall: "We're doing well at the moment - the team is starting to take shape .

"It's taken a while to rebuild the team almost from scratch - only four or five players from last year's squad are still here - and we've added another bit of quality this week in Liam Shepherd."

The 26-year-old started out at City as a left-winger but can also play left-back and centre midfield.

Added Marshall: "He's quite versatile - he can play in a number of positions - and is a quality addition who should help us to kick on further."

On Foster, Marshall said: "Railway have a few injuries and have signed George. It's a tough league so we'll have to see how he goes but he's still young and has ability so hopefully he'll be able to make the step up."

The Pikes' home game with Staveley on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Marshall would have much preferred to play, especially with the team in high spirits.

"It was disappointing but there's nothing you can do," he said. "The pitch was playable until Saturday morning when all that rain came and ruined it for everyone."

The Pikes, ninth in the table, will be favourites this weekend against 16th-placed Athersley, whom they beat 4-1 away in September - their first win of term.

But Marshall warned: "They've improved a lot since then. They were bottom then but have had a decent run. They beat Rainworth 4-1 last time and if they can do that they must be pretty decent.

"Joe Thornton scored a hat-trick and is very dangerous up front. He played for Shaw Lane (NCEL champions) last year and we'll have to keep an eye on him as he knows how to score goals.

"But we'll be trying to keep our run going. We've had some great support recently and we're hoping for more of that."

Ryan Cooper completes his suspension but Marshall otherwise expects to be at full strength.