HARROGATE Town could have one foot in the UniBond League premier division come 4.45pm tomorrow.

The division one leaders already look on course for promotion, but a victory over third-placed Radcliffe Borough would virtually seal it for the Wetherby Roaders.

A win over their close rivals would give them a 13-point advantage over the Lancastrians and 12 over Eastwood, who moved into second on Wednesday night, and that is without taking into account the hatful of fixtures Town have in hand.

Town, unbeaten in 24 games, may have a long way to go from here, but for them to blunder would seem highly unlikely. Even famous 'big-lead bottler' Greg Norman could finish off the job from such a position.

However, boss John Reed, with seven promotions to his name, knows his side must keep their composure if they are to go all the way.

"These lads are so focused," he enthused. "But we've done nothing yet, we've still 21 games left to go.

"This is a marathon and we are only halfway along, but a win against Radcliffe would certainly move us three-quarters of the way to the our goal.

"But if we are to win, then we've got to make sure we have the will to win more than them.

"They will want to beat us so much. Ours is the scalp that they want, and we have to be aware of that."

Former Leeds defender Neil Aspin is ruled out of the clash with a one-match suspension, but Michael Ord returns after a bout of 'flu.

There is no place for new signing Adam Mitchell, with the former Pickering shot-stopper having joined the club as cover for in-form Ashley Connor, who has kept 17 clean sheets already this season.

Football in the spa town certainly seems to be on the rise, and while promotion maybe beyond them, Harrogate Railway are well on course for their highest-ever finish.

The Northern Counties East League premier division side currently sit proud in fourth spot, but they could create a buffer between them and the close-knit pack just behind them with a victory over Denaby United.

Rail have only lost six games in the league this season - the same number as leaders Alfreton Town - and produced good runs in both the FA Cup and FA Vase.

But it is highest-ever finish which is the club's aim for this season, before a serious tilt at going for UniBond League status.

Selby Town will try to get their season back on track when they entertain Borrowash Victoria.

The Robins have seen their title hopes all but vanish after a poor start to 2002, but struggling Victoria will offer them the perfect chance to return to winning ways.

New signing Mally Bolland, who has joined from Tadcaster Albion, could make his debut in midfield.

Tadcaster Albion will try to make up for lost time when they travel to fellow strugglers Louth United.

Having gone three weeks without a game because of serious flood damage to their pitch and clubhouse, Taddy head off on their travels in search of action.

A win will see the beleaguered Park-based side leapfrog tomorrow's opponents in the division one standings and close the gap on Yorkshire Amateurs in mid-table.

In the West Yorkshire League premier division, Nestl Rowntree are out to finish their season with a flourish.

A trip to Beeston awaits them this weekend, and while the title may have eluded them, Nestl are now playing for pride.

Knaresborough Town face a local derby when they head across to struggling Bardsey.

Updated: 12:02 Friday, March 01, 2002