PICKERING Town head to Athersley Recreation tomorrow having heeded their 'wake-up call'.

The Pikes were humbled last weekend, crashing to a heavy 5-0 FA Vase defeat against Shildon in front of their biggest Mill Lane gate of the campaign.

Much of the 284 crowd were left stunned as Paul Marshall's men failed to win for only the fourth time in 17 games this season.

“It was a bit of a wake-up call but it was always going to be a tough game,” admitted chairman Wayne Taylor afterwards.

“On our day, I think we can beat anyone in our league and, hopefully, we can bounce back this week.”

And bounce back they did, with a stunning 2-0 victory over Northern Counties East League premier division high-fliers Cleethorpes Town on Tuesday evening.

The visiting Owls had gone into the game unbeaten in 18 outings, but goals either side of half-time from Nicholas Thompson and Alex Robinson lifted the Pikes to fourth spot and knocked their opponents off the summit.

Tomorrow, Marshall's men visit Athersley Recreation who are eighth in the table having played three additional games.

Athersley’s leading 16-goal marksman Kai Hancock is currently a target for Championship club Barnsley.

Hancock has been invited back for a second trial at Oakwell after scoring a hat-trick in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly.

Athersley manager Sean Margison said: “He has been injured but Barnsley are keen to get him back and have another look.

“He works full-time so he needs to arrange some days off for the trial – but he should be back at Oakwell in the next week or two. It’s a big thing for him and for our club.”

Tadcaster Albion were also in midweek action when a first-half double from Adam Baker saw the Brewers dump Frickley Athletic out of the Integro League Cup.

Manager Billy Miller made four changes to the side that beat Ossett Albion 5-2 last weekend. Steve Jeff, Liam Shepherd, Fatlum Ibrahimi and Baker were all handed places in the starting 11.

Taddy took the lead in the 13th minute after completing a crisp and speedy counter-attack – Baker running the length of the pitch to slot home.

And the former Bradford City man was in the goals again 23 minutes later, doubling the Albion advantage.

Jason Mycoe’s free-kick was flicked on by Liam Shepherd to the feet of Baker, who turned and fired into the bottom corner.

The Brewers are back in Evo-Stik League first division north action tomorrow when they head to 19th-placed Prescot Cables.

Elsewhere, Harrogate Town are also on the road with a trip to Brackley Town in National North, while Harrogate Railway entertain Bottesford Town in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League premier division.

Selby Town face Teversal in the division below, aiming to bounce back from last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Penistone Church.

That loss to the league leaders was certainly 'not unusual' with Thomas Jones heading home the decisive goal following a corner.

Another away trip tomorrow will continue to test the 11th-placed Robins as they try to shrug off the current run of defeats.