DERBY duel duty is the next test for Selby Town's switch of emphasis in the confidence trick.

The Robins entertain Pickering Town in the Northern Counties East League premier division tomorrow with more than just revenge on their minds.

Early in the season when Selby were still bedevilled by injuries they were pasted 5-0 away to the Pikes.

But Selby want to more than just square that setback as they bask in last week's triumph over Armthorpe Welfare.

"It's all down to confidence," said Robins' joint manager Barry Walker. "Confidence brings better performances and play and they then bring better results. That's what we now have to maintain."

Defender Steve Harding is still missing through injury, but Darren Sheridan returns to the squad. Teenage winger Anthony Harvey, a North Yorkshire county cap, has been recruited to the senior ranks after impressing in the reserves.

Both sides need the points to ease relegation fears. Selby are two points adrift of their visitors, but have a game in hand.

The Pikes will be hoping to get straight into the groove after being inactive last week because scheduled opponents North Ferriby were involved in the FA Vase.

Chastened by defeat to NCEL first division leaders Garforth Town Harrogate Railway Athletic head to Parkgate tomorrow still shorn of key players.

Top of the absentee list is goal-poacher Vinny Archer. He faces hospital treatment to cruciate knee ligament and cartilage trouble that will keep him out for at least the rest of the season.

His absence is the biggest blow, the Rail signally unable to match his striking efforts of ten goals in eight games before his injury.

Also out is defender Steve Hampson, with thigh and back injuries, and utility man Pat McDaid because of work.

Long-haul goalkeeping has come to the rescue of NCEL first division rivals Tadcaster Albion.

Punished for a dismissal in Sunday football regular 'keeper Carl Forrester tomorrow misses the visit of Hall Road Rangers as he starts a five-week ban.

Into the gloves-breach steps Loughborough-based student Sam Griggs. The Tadcaster 'keeper has agreed to return home each weekend to cover for Forrester, explained Albion boss Wayne Day. "Sam has played for us early this season and in the final game of last," he said.

Goalkeeping problems have also hit Harrogate Town. Gavin Kelly, the replacement for the suspended Wayne Baker, sits out the UniBond League first division visit of Eastwood Town because he is taking an examination.

Into the number one slot comes Paul Eloi as Harrogate seek to build on last week's vital win over Buxton, their first success in eight games. Visitors Eastwood come to Wetherby Road protecting an 11-match unbeaten run which has taken them into seventh place.

A new goal-laden strikeforce will be unwrapped by York RI in their West Yorkshire League premier division clash at home to champions Carlton Athletic.

The York side are likely to pair Matty Wain, their 'new' 26-goal capture from Nestle-Rowntree, alongside Chris McFee, who has plundered 20 goals.

Also on the league front, Magnet Sports head for Barwick desperate for a change of luck.

Against Horbury Town last week the Tadcaster-based side were locked at 0-0 until the last 15 minutes when three goals were conceded, two with almost the last kicks of the game.

Sighed goalkeeper and manager Paul Maxted: "People said we didn't deserve to be beaten, but you don't get points for that. It was an improved performance, but not good enough."

WYL League Cup quarter-final duties occupy Nestle-Rowntree and Knaresborough Town.

Rowntree go to Horbury Town without midfielder Paul Wilson, who is getting married, winger Patrick Gaughan (cup-tied) and striker Lee Medforth, who is unavailable.

Fresh from their club record 7-0 win over Barwick, Knaresborough entertain Robin Hood Athletic. Defender Dave Wox is suspended, while goalkeeper Steve Jones is unavailable, giving a debut to former Rothwell Athletic 'keeper Dave Bradley.

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