TOP plays second in the pick of the Northern Counties East League premier division fixtures this weekend when Pickering Town travel to Buxton.

But Pikes boss Alex Mathie is taking the mouthwatering clash in his stride.

He said: "It's a great time to be going there. Both of us are flying at the top of the table. They are expecting 5-600 through the gate and that will be great but the main thing is to take it as it comes.

"The league is not going to be decided on this one game."

Pickering have hit a rich vein of form and are still on a high after overturning UniBond premier outfit Whitby in the North Riding Senior Cup in midweek.

Ricky Greening and George Rose are slight doubts after picking up knocks against Whitby but are both expected to pass fit. James Drinkall also comes back into the squad.

Harrogate Railway are out for revenge tomorrow when they come face to face with the team they believe cost them the NCEL premier division title last year.

Perennial basement side Brodsworth Welfare overturned the Rail 3-1 at home in March and, although it was not the only defeat, it was the one that the team pointed to in the post-season inquest.

Said manager Martin Haresign: "It looks like an easy game but we think Brodsworth cost us the league last year.

"They are the only side to go to Buxton and take points off them (this season) so we have got to treat them with a bit of respect but it would be nice to get revenge."

Centre-forward Scott Jackson has linked up with the Rail in a dual-club arrangement with Farsley Celtic and Haresign is hopeful he will be available for the home match.

He has also secured the services of Harrogate Town fringe full-back Neil Beardsmore on a similar set-up, and he should appear tomorrow.

Selby Town host top-four side Sutton Town as they aim to climb back up the league table from 12th place.

In division one, Tadcaster Albion host Winterton Rangers, weather permitting, in their first home game in five weeks.

Matty Howgate might get a first run-out in months if the ground is not too heavy, while both Dale Waddington and Greg Anderson are back available.

Updated: 11:25 Friday, November 04, 2005