HARROGATE Railway have been dealt a blow with the departure of star midfielder Ian McLean to Guiseley.

The former Bradford City and Oldham Athletic player joined Railway a year ago from neighbours Harrogate Town, but has been tempted away by the UniBond League outfit.

Railway assistant boss Mick Margis explained: "They were offering him silly money and he could not really refuse it, plus it's a step up for him.

"He's left on good terms. If he doesn't enjoy it he's said he will come back

"If it works out then great, if not then we will benefit again."

Despite McLean's departure, Margis is hoping his side can work their way up the Northern Counties East League premier division table.

"We said at the start of the month we'd like to get to the New Year without getting beaten and I'd like to think we can continue our run," he said.

Teenager Matt Whitehead was bloodied in Railway's 4-0 win at Brodsworth on Wednesday and will stay in the squad and Ian Hart and Nigel Danby come back after unavailability, but Steve Hartley, Jimmy Gore (unavailable), Steve Davey (suspended) and Steve Hadden (injured) are out.

Selby Town will test their championship credentials tomorrow as they play host to FA Cup heroes Brigg Town.

The visitors reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, where they lost to Division Two club Tranmere Rovers, and are the reigning NCEL champions, missing out on promotion because their ground failed to meet UniBond League criteria.

Victory for leaders Selby would enhance their own title prospects.

Promotion-chasing Pickering Town will be gunning for revenge as they travel to Sheffield, the team who ended the Pikes' unbeaten start to the current NCEL premier division campaign.

Boss Jimmy Reid said: "They are one of only two teams to have beaten us this season and it would be nice to redress that.

"I think they caught us on a bad day but the boys will be ready for it tomorrow."

Sheffield have a habit of doing well against the top teams but poorly against sides nearer the bottom. Reid added: "I doubt the lads will need a team talk. I'll just say, 'These are the team that beat us - go out and get them'."

Goole, meanwhile, entertain Garforth Town.

In division one, Tadcaster Albion have a long trip to NCEL newcomers Lincoln Moorlands with revenge in mind.

Moorlands won 2-0 at Ings Park in the second game of the campaign, but Albion boss Wayne Day said: "We were disappointed not to take anything from that game.

"We've also lost our last two matches but we feel we were unjustly done to on Tuesday (in 2-1 West Riding Cup defeat to Goole after extra time) and we ought to have taken something from Saturday's game (3-1 league defeat by Hall Road)."

Day will be without captain Lee Maguire (thigh) and Paul Hook (work), while Mally Bolland (hip) is a doubt. Goalkeeper Andy Phillips and Simon Haddock return after unavailability as does Martin Shaw after flu.

West Yorkshire League leaders Nestl Rowntree will have to battle to stay at the top of the table as they entertain Aberford Albion.

'Trees assistant boss Jon Reynolds said: "There are five teams in with a chance of the title, ourselves and Aberford are among them.

"They're a good side. They've got two or three games in hand on us so it's an important game. It will be hard for us but, saying that, it will be hard for Aberford as well.

"We had that terrible start to the season but everything has been going well for us lately and we're in with as good a chance as anyone of winning the title."

Knaresborough Town are looking to lose their tag as draw specialists and go for a surprise win at Horsforth St Mary's.

Boro have drawn more games than they have either won or lost this term to consolidate a mid-table spot in the premier division.

Secretary Ian Pickles said: "Our league position is not bad considering the number of changes we've had.

"Horsforth have come up with some good results and it will be difficult for us, especially on their big sloping pitch."

Updated: 12:06 Friday, December 14, 2001