CHAMPIONS Harrogate Town are expecting their biggest crowd of the season for their final UniBond League division one fixture of the season today against Workington after throwing their doors open for free.

Town have enjoyed the most successful campaign in its 83-year history - winning the league title and the West Riding FA County Cup - and in a bid to keep the fans coming through the turnstiles next season the club have planned a party atmosphere for tonight.

As well as free entry, courtesy of club sponsors InTechnology, fans will be treated to fireworks and a brass band, while the Town players will be kicking footballs into the crowd for people to take home with them.

And boss John Reed is hoping these will all combine to see more people come through the gates next season.

"I don't know what more can be done if this can't attract people," he said.

"Mr Fotherby (Town chairman Bill Fotherby) has brought a successful team to the town, the side has achieved the double and lost just once at home in the league, and tonight people can get in and enjoy the atmosphere and this football for free.

"I'd honestly thought that we'd be averaging 700-800 this season, but despite winning the title we haven't managed that which is disappointing, especially if you think of the population in the town.

"But I'd be really gutted if we didn't get 1,500 in tonight, especially with the fact it is free and all the other trimmings."

Reed is hoping the performance of his side will be the perfect supplement to the added attractions - with a full-strength squad available.

Also in the crowd will be York City duo Marc Thompson and Nick Richardson as Reed attempts to convince them to join former Minstermen Ben Rhodes and Kieran Darlow in signing for the club.

Former Bradford midfielder Stuart McCall has also been linked to the club.

Harrogate Railway will have the small matter of facing Northern Counties East League premier division champion favourites Alfreton before they can kick-off their end of season celebrations.

The Railwaymen are due across in Chester for a mini-break to mark their successful season and a victory over Alfreton would be the perfect start.

Alfreton go into the last game knowing that they have a three-point advantage over second-placed Brigg and a healthy goal difference of 11.

Unfortunately the lure of starting the festivities early has left boss Paul Marshall with a skeleton squad, that includes himself as the only substitute and coach Mark Smitheringale in midfield.

Pickering Town travel to relegation-threatened Buxton with the bares bones of a squad.

A 7pm kick-off meant the Pikes had to leave York at 2.30pm today - ruling out a number of their side through work commitments

The match has taken on added significance for both sides with Pickering needing three points to secure third spot, while Buxton need at least a win to stand a chance of avoiding the drop.

A trip to Garforth will give Selby Town the chance to climb the rankings for a top seven finish.

With Garforth already condemned to the first division for next season, the Robins can add to their misery by plundering three more points tonight.

Goole wrap up their season at home when they entertain Glapwell, while Tadcaster Albion can scupper Worsbrough Bridge's hopes of promotion from the NCEL first division at the Park.

Bridge are desperately trying to overhaul Bridlington Town in the second promotion spot and with just two points separating them anything less than maximum points will end their hopes.

Harrogate Railway (v Alfreton): Neale, Walker, Danby, Ames, Watkinson, Wilson, Smitheringale, Gore, Alsopp, Smith, Metcalfe, Marshall.

Pickering Town (at Buxton): from Martin, Brown, Connor, Dickinson, Willoughby, Sturdy, Vasey, MacAuley, Farthing, Morton, Zoll, Wash, Wood, Crawford, Elwood, Anderson.

Updated: 12:01 Friday, May 03, 2002