PICKERING Town are “doing alright” in keeping the balance between defence and attack, believes manager Paul Marshall ahead of their Northern Counties East League premier home clash with Worksop Town.

The promotion-chasing Pikes have not been given an easy ride in the past week, having to come from behind last weekend in a 3-2 win at Hemsworth Miners Welfare before winning 5-3 at Liversedge on Tuesday night after being pegged back to 3-3 at half-time.

Goals from Billy Logan and Ryan Blott were cancelled out by the Sedge centre-forward’s two quick headers. Blott restored the Pikes’ lead before the hosts levelled again from a defensive error, but Town sealed the points in the second period through Joe Danby’s goal directly from a corner and George Bissett’s header.

Speaking before tomorrow’s fixture, Marshall has suggested he would prefer more straightforward wins, saying: “We have to win every game just to keep up with the leaders, and we’ll have to do it against a young, vibrant Worksop team.

“I’d love to be more solid at the back, but that’s unfortunately not happening at the minute. Luckily we’ve got good forwards who can dig us out of the mire.

“It’s a fine balance between defence and attack, and we’re doing alright at the minute.”

Marshall also expressed his thanks to Danny Gray, who has been released to Selby Town, while Lewis Taylor and Tom Claisse are available for selection again.

Premier division strugglers Harrogate Railway Athletic host Bridlington Town tomorrow after losing 1-0 to Staveley Miners Welfare on Wednesday in the NCEL League Cup.

Division one Selby Town host Armthorpe Welfare tomorrow. The sixth-placed Robins had their midweek clash with leaders Knaresborough Town called off. Boro travel to second-bottom Brigg Town tomorrow.

National League North leaders Harrogate Town’s home game with Spennymoor Town tomorrow has been postponed as Spennymoor instead have an FA Trophy quarter-final against Bromley.