Selby Town could be in line for a double win-bonus if they kill off Harrogate Railway's magnificent away run tomorrow.

Not only will they go down as the season's first home team to beat the Railwaymen, but they will also open up a four-point gap on the third-placed side.

But if the Rail continue their 100 per cent form they will leapfrog their fellow North Yorkshire rivals into second - and could go top if Goole slip up at Shirebrook Town.

Selby's task will be made harder with Andrew Hart and Joe Connor both suspended until the Easter Monday home tie against Eccleshill United (3pm).

The Rail's away form will be tested to the limit with a difficult trip to Buxton on Monday (3pm), with the hosts boasting one of the best home records in the league.

Fifth-placed Pickering Town opened their Easter programme today with Liversedge travelling to Mill Lane for the first of two home encounters. Long Eaton United make the trip to Ryedale on Monday (3pm).

Stricken Goole goalkeeper Chris Hill could make a return this week - but not until Monday at the earliest.

The 'keeper had 20 stitches and a staple put into his arm after a Long Eaton United forward sliced it open with a stud two weeks ago.

Manager Paul Marshall drafted in Andrew Carney, who had just been released by Ossett Albion, to fill his boots. Carney will stay on a week-to-week basis until Hill is ready to come back, meaning another outing at Shirebrook Town tomorrow (12.30pm).

Centre-half Dave Watts is back from injury for the league leaders but Monday's trip to Thackley (3pm) marks the start of a week-long, three match ban on defender Jimmy Gore.

Marshall said: "They are two tough games that are going to determine the course of the rest of our season.

"We have got to bounce back from losing to Pickering last week because we need the six points."

Two Easter wins for Harrogate Town will consolidate their Nationwide North play-off credentials, and could even throw a spanner in the title race following their defeat of leaders Southport on Tuesday.

If results go their way, Town could even find themselves back on top come Monday as they are now only five points behind Southport.

They travel to 11th-placed Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow (1pm) before hosting lowly Vauxhall Motors at Wetherby Road in a 3pm Monday kick-off.

Updated: 09:39 Friday, March 25, 2005