HARROGATE Town will be on their guard against Ashton United tonight (8pm) to avoid any dramatic slip-ups in Nationwide North.

Town beat Ashton United 4-3 on the last day of the UniBond season to secure a fifth place finish and are currently some 13 places above them in the table.

But manager John Reed is warning his side to stay switched on after Ashton beat third-placed Altrincham Town 6-2 on Monday.

He said: "It will be a very tough game. It's an intimidating place where they get up in your face. Technically, they are not as good as us, but it's one of those games where anything can happen if you don't watch it.

"Altrincham won the team of the month but were beaten there heavily this week.

"But we go there full of hope and trying to get our third successive clean sheet in a row."

The squad looks set to be boosted by the return of influential striker Marc Smith following an injury some weeks ago, and James Turley is also expected to be in the side after shaking off a knock picked up in Harrogate's FA Cup second qualifying round win.

On-loan striker Clayton Donaldson, meanwhile, has had his stay at Wetherby Road lengthened until the end of November, much to Reed's delight. He said: "He's got two goals in four games and he gives us something up front we have never had before."

Four members of Town's 22-strong squad have been farmed out to other clubs to keep their fitness up to scratch, including former York City man Christian Fox, who has been sent to Emley.

Unbeaten Tadcaster Albion travel to Gedling Town for a top-of-the-table crunch match in Northern Counties East League division one with several players sidelined by injury.

Jim Collis has been hit with his first big issue of the campaign with star midfielder Matty Howgate having injured his ankle ligaments, and Dave Watson, Matty Cressie and Paul James also out with various sprains and strains.

He said: "Since I have got here, I have problems picking a side because of too many options but this is the first time I will have the reverse kind of problems caused by injury.

"It will be a difficult game for us but it will post a good test for the rest of the lads who will come into the side."

Full back Pat Render looks likely to return to the squad after a spell of absenteeism due to work commitments, while there could be a first team call up for reserve player Sam Farthing, who has made a big impression so far this season.

Kick off has been brought forward to noon because of the England v Wales international.

In the premier division, Pickering Town go to lowly Armthorpe Welfare hungry for a first win under new boss Alex Mathie, who takes full control of the side for the first time.

And Selby Town will be looking to continue their steady rise up the table with a victory at tenth-placed Arnold Town.

Goole host Eccleshill United tonight at 7.45pm intent on a first win in four after a rocky couple of weeks.

Harrogate Railway are taking an enforced breather from league action after winning two away games on the bounce.

Updated: 10:54 Friday, October 08, 2004