PICKERING Town manager Paul Marshall is hopeful his replenished side will have enough to get their first Evo-Stik League east division points.

The Pikes have endured a tough start to life at Step 4, sitting second bottom after losing their three opening fixtures.

But the most recent, a 2-0 loss at Marske United, saw the return of several experienced Pickering players - including Nick Thomson, George Bissett and Eddy Birch - and a performance which Marshall said “gives him hope” for Saturday's 260-mile round-trip to Loughborough Dynamo.

With the list of absentees decreasing, however, comes a shortened list of ready excuses for the Pikes, admitted Marshall, although he also pointed out that the improvement would not be instantaneous.

He said: “It was nice to get players back for Marske. Niall Tilsley, coming back from his four-match ban, was outstanding at the back. Matty Turnbull was playing with an injury but did very well.

“It gives me hope for Saturday.

“I saw enough signs at Marske, against one of the favourites to win the league. They’re a good team, a lot better than what we’ve faced before, and we did alright.

“We gifted them two goals, which was very disappointing, but there were plenty of positives.

“We need to start being more ruthless, to show a desire to score goals and a desire to stop goals. If we do that, I’m sure things will be okay.

“We can’t hide behind excuses now, with players fit and raring to go.

“Match fitness is different from going to the gym. Josh Greening played against Colne, but he wasn’t fit enough to play Monday.

“I’m sure when we get everybody up to speed, we’ll be okay.

“This season, we know we’re not going to be winning the league, it’s about consolidating our place. Our target is to be competitive.”

Tadcaster Albion will be looking to get over Bank Holiday Monday’s disappointing 3-0 home loss to Morpeth Town when they travel to Gresley FC.

The Derbyshire side have scored six times in their last two games, earning them a 3-3 draw on Saturday and a 3-2 win at Belper Town on Monday.

Scarborough Athletic are looking for their first premier division win since the opening day of term when they visit Hyde United.

Northern Counties East League division one outfit Selby Town welcome premier division side Staveley Miners Welfare in the FA Vase first round qualifying before hosting Kendal Town on Tuesday in the replay of their FA Cup preliminary round tie.

From the premier division, also in the FA Vase first round qualifying, Knaresborough Town visit Billingham Synthonia while Harrogate Railway Athletic host AFC Silsden.

Up in the National League, fourth-placed Harrogate Town will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record when they host Eastleigh FC.