TADCASTER Albion boss Billy Miller wants his side to step up their challenge for the Northern Counties East League premier division title with two tough away matches this week.

A trip to Bradford's Albion Sports tomorrow and a re-arranged derby fixture against Pickering Town next Tuesday can reap rewards for the Brewers as they bid to close a five-point gap on leaders Handsworth Parramore.

"Albion can beat anyone on their day and they have had some good results against top teams this season," said Miller.

"With the Garforth game being postponed on Tuesday night, we had the lads in for training which was hard but they all look sharp."

Rather than see last Saturday's goalless draw at Cleethorpes as points lost, he views it as a valuable point gained.

He added: "Cleethorpes are the in-form team – they are a good side and we made a good point. They will be a match for anyone in this league."

Miller takes his side's involvement in two cups and a chase for the league title as a reflection of his side's success and their ambitions this season. But he is aware of the demands being made on his side by the congested fixture list.

He went on: "We have done well enough to be still involved in all the cup and league cup competitions we started and going for the league title, which means that we are going to be busy. As it stands we have 12 games in 28 days – one every 2.33 days."

"I'm not moaning. We are a not a pro club, these lads go to work every single day and turn up at training and for matches which is tough when it is Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday."

Miller admits he will have to weigh up within his 27 man squad – including the Under-21 sides – which players he uses in specific games to ensure they go as far as they can in all competitions.

He has also made a recent addition to the squad with the arrival of striker Tom Corner from Evo-Stik side Scarborough Athletic.

"Tom is an old-fashioned sort of striker, strong and good in the air, and his arrival gives us an alternative. He has experience at a higher level and he adds quality to the squad," Miller explained.

Albion are on the road again next Tuesday, at local rivals Pickering Town in a fixture rearranged from last month (7.45pm).

"That's always a difficult one," he added. "There are a lot of connections between the sides – Marshy (Pickering manager Paul Marshall) was here all that time (seven years) and there are a number of players who have played for both sides.

"We will get no favours from them. I think it will be a difficult game, a proper derby with a big crowd."

Before they can think about Tadcaster though, Pickering Town, who are sixth, have another derby clash when they entertain fourth-placed Bridlington.

The Pikes' ten-match unbeaten run was ended at Staveley last Saturday, and with Monday's game postponed it will be the first opportunity they have to start another run.

The squad were given a boost this week when Luke Shepherd and Nathan Kamara opted to stay with the club after unsuccessful approaches by Tadcaster Albion and Selby Town respectively.