MANAGER Denny Ingram believes Pickering Town's home form "is going to be vital" this season - but will take a positive mindset to Droylsden.

The Pikes head to the Bloods on Saturday (3pm) in the Northern Premier League north/west division without a single away point to their name so far.

Last night, Pickering contested their FA Trophy preliminary round replay at Stocksbridge Park Steels after Saturday's game at Mill Lane ended 1-1.

"We've had a couple of positive performances at home and now it's time to do it away," said Ingram.

"On our travels so far we haven't picked anything up but we're going in with a positive mindset.

"Our home form is going to be vital but if we can pick up points away from home and stay in the game away, our fortunes will turn around very quickly."

Stocksbridge are doing well in the NPL south/east division, just five points off the summit, and Ingram is pleased with the result at the weekend - even if he was not so happy with the goal conceded.

Frickley Athletic loanee Sam Cable opened the scoring in the second minute - netting for his second game in a row - before Stocksbridge equalised with eight minutes to go.

Ingram said: "Massively disappointed with the way we conceded again.

"Other than the goal, they didn't cause us any great problems.

"You've got to look at the positives. We competed with an in-form team.

"The only downside is the injury list has grown again, which is not great.

"We're literally down to 14 players now, and that's including myself, (assistant Ryan Blott) and Ryan Cooper, who's coming back from over a year out.

"But that's part and parcel of football and we've got to get on with it."

Cable's loan is up n Saturday, but Ingram insists he will work towards extending his stay at Mill Lane.

"I'm very impressed with him," Ingram said. "His energy, his work ethic, his commitment.

"He's proved he knows where the net is."

Meanwhile, with Blott returning to playing action, James Bennett has been brought onto the coaching staff as Ingram's right-hand man on the touchline.

"He's a very good mate of mine but, more importantly, he's a very good coach," said Ingram.

"Hopefully we can tap into his player knowledge in selection.

"It will be a massive boost for the club once he gets his feet under the table. He brings a wealth of experience and will only stand us in good stead."

Danny Earl will be missing for at least three weeks with a stress fracture of the tibia. Work commitments kept Tom Class out of the replay at Stocksbridge last night.