Goole are in control of the Northern Counties East League premier division after beating Eccleshill United 2-0 last night to go top on goal difference.

A win tomorrow against Long Eaton United will guarantee the championship and promotion, barring a ten-goal frenzy in Selby's match.

Goole are without top scorer Gary Shaw as he is on his stag weekend, but they were otherwise hopeful of a full squad surviving last night.

Harrogate Railway still have a hypothetical shot at the title if they win at Glapwell and both Selby Town and Goole lose. All three would then be level on 76 points but The Rail would sneak it on goal difference.

Cameron Stuart is the only doubt for Selby Town as they aim to gee themselves up from their galling midweek defeat at Sheffield that undermined their title tilt.

Assistant manager Gary Cygan said: "We fully expected Goole to win last night but one good thing is that Long Eaton United have come into a bit of form.

"Whatever happens, we are still going to be in there when we go to Buxton so it's just a matter of picking them all up and going for it."

Buxton will represent a tough prospect as they have the best home record in the division but they may be feeling the pace after packing four games into ten days including a 1-0 defeat of Pickering Town last night.

Pickering make the trip to Brodsworth Welfare to wrap up their season on a high.

The Pikes are certain to finish fifth whatever the outcome but will still be gunning for the win.

Player manager Alex Mathie said: "There's nothing to play for but it's not so much about that. It's about having the right attitude."

Steve Swales is still injured but Pickering otherwise boast a clean bill of health.

Updated: 10:41 Friday, April 29, 2005