PICKERING Town boss Alex Mathie has admitted his team's Northern Counties East League title ambitions would fade if they lose at leaders Goole tomorrow.

The Pikes are currently 14 points behind their east Yorkshire rivals but still have four games in hand, meaning an away victory would leave the fate of Mathie's men back in their own hands.

But Pickering will travel to Goole without the experienced Mike McNaughton, who has work commitments, and leading scorer Mark Swales also faces a late fitness test on a thigh strain.

"If we are missing both of them, they will be big losses," Mathie admitted. "It's a massive match for us - even more so now after losing last weekend.

"If we had got a draw then, it wouldn't have been too bad but now we really need a win because, if we don't, we would be pushing it to win the title. There's still 11 games left but it would be a big psychological advantage if one of the teams win tomorrow."

A victory for Goole in a true 'six-pointer' would strengthen their own position at the top and Paul Marshall's men should welcome back four players after the 2-2 League Cup draw with Hallam on Wednesday night.

Dave Watts is expected to recover from the hamstring injury that kept him on the bench against Hallam while Danny Ames, Joe Gaughan and Gary Shaw will return after being cup-tied or unavailable because of work commitments.

Second-placed Selby Town will be keeping one eye on events at Goole while guarding against any slip-ups themselves at second-bottom Maltby Main.

Adam Mitchell will return in goal after work commitments, replacing York City junior Arran Reid, who played for Town after receiving permission from the Conference club.

Harrogate Railway's 12 out of 12 away winners go to lowly Hallam promising not to take them lightly as the title race hots up.

Martin Haresign's men chalked up another on the road win in the cup midweek thanks to Lyle Hillier, Lee Ryan and another late Scott Ryan winner in extra time to book a place in the league cup semi-final.

But the real focus is on the league campaign with Railway three points and one game in hand behind second-placed Selby - and another win is crucial.

James Featherstone is a doubt after missing the midweek match, but on the flip side, Damien Holmes completed 30 minutes for the first time after weeks out with hamstring trouble.

Tadcaster Albion, seven points off the top three with six games left, visit lower table side Retford Town needing maximum points to stay in touch with the NCEL first division leaders.

Updated: 10:36 Friday, March 18, 2005