PICKERING Town boss Jimmy Reid is looking for his squad to produce the perfect response following their disappointing North Riding FA Senior Cup exit.

The Pikes slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Bedale on Tuesday night, but Reid wants his squad to put the record straight against Alfreton Town in their premier division Northern Counties East League clash.

It is not the first time Reid has sought a winning reaction from his players after a defeat and in the past they have always come up trumps.

In an amazing statistic Pickering have not lost back-to-back games in two years.

"It is a big game for the players because they need to react to the performance the other night," said Reid.

"To their credit they have always responded in the past and I'm sure it will be the same again tomorrow."

Alfreton will be no push-overs for Pickering with the Derbyshire club currently topping the premier division table, but Reid has every faith in his charges.

"We only lost 2-1 to Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup and they are now third in the UniBond League premier division, so I've no fear," said Reid. "I'm more scared of the wife than of Alfreton."

Despite Reid's confidence, he will not accept any complacency from his squad.

"If they don't show a positive reaction, then they will be on the bench beside me before half-time," he said.

Bob Lyon has given his Selby Town squad the chance to make amends following their 5-1 mauling by Brigg Town.

The league leaders were cruelly deposed from top spot with what Lyon is hoping was an off-day at the office.

With this is mind, the Robins' chief has decided against making sweeping changes for tomorrow's trip to Glapwell.

"There won't be any drastic action, we'll stick with the same players to put it right," said Lyon.

"But if there are no signs of improvement I will then have to start looking at bringing in new personnel."

The only change from the heavy defeat is the loss of goalkeeper John Collinson, whose loan spell from York City has come to an end over the Christmas period at the Bootham Crescent club's request.

Selby are hopeful of snapping up the services of City's third choice shot-stopper on loan again in the new year.

Goole Town could do rivals Selby and Pickering a hand by beating title-chasing Hallam when they head to Sheffield.

Tadcaster Albion will look to give their fans plenty to celebrate this Christmas when they entertain Winterton at Ings Park.

Having made great strides this season, Taddy could set themselves up for a charge up the division one table in the new year with victory over Winterton.

Nestl Rowntree assistant-boss Jon Reynolds wants his side to show their ruthless streak when they travel to Armley tomorrow in the West Yorkshire League premier division.

The club lost their first game in ten on Saturday, but only after squandering a host of chances.

"We've got to be more ruthless in front of goal," said Reynolds.

"We are creating the chances, but we are not taking them and so we are letting teams off the hook."

Experienced defender Alec Dewhirst and midfielder Steve Ward are both missing from manager Jim Collis' team, who are eager to press home their bid to wrest the title from Carlton Athletic.

Updated: 12:15 Friday, December 21, 2001