PROMOTION seeking Tadcaster Albion have a proud record to uphold in the Northern Counties East League premier division, starting with home and away matches against Garforth.

"We have not been beaten two games on the bounce this season – which is a phenomenal achievement – so the instruction for Saturday will be don't lose," explained Albion boss Billy Miller.

The Brewers returned to the top of the table following an extraordinary 3-1 win at Pickering on Monday night when all three of their goals were scored after the 87th minute.

They had a chance to pull away from challengers Handsworth Parramore at the summit at Maltby Main on Wednesday night, but instead fell to a 4-2 defeat. And the Sheffield side could even have overtaken Tadcaster as they were due to entertain Clipstone last night.

After the defeat at Maltby, Miller explained: "I don't think it was physical tiredness – our players were mentally drained by the build up and also the game at Pickering.

"Maltby took a 2-0 lead early on and they had a gameplan, but it was also the worst playing surface I have seen in eight years in this division, it was shocking."

"A big thank you to the fans who have followed us in midweek to Knaresborough, Pickering and Maltby. They took over and their noise drove us on. I ask them to do it again in the remaining four matches – it makes such a big difference."

Yesterday, the morning after that game, Miller revealed he sent out a message to his squad.

He said: "I told them how proud we were of them and how brave they have to be to achieve our goals."

Ahead of back-to-back league matches against Garforth, Miller added: "We will treat it like the Europa League with home and away legs.

"We have a strong squad and there will be different faces in the two matches. They have one of the best playing surfaces in the league which will be good for us."

PICKERING TOWN will be aiming to consolidate their sixth spot in the premier division when they travel to Barton Old Boys tomorrow.

Last Saturday's contest at home to Rainworth was called off due to a waterlogged pitch and will be played on May 3, after the official end of the season next Saturday.

WHITBY TOWN, who have secured their place in the Evo-Stik premier division, entertain Skelmersale in their final match of the season.

In division one north relegated HARROGATE RAILWAY finish a wretched season with a trip to Kendal tomorrow, while HARROGATE TOWN travel to Fylde to play their penultimate contest in the Vanarama National North.