MANAGER Denny Ingram believes Pickering Town's home form "is going to be vital" this season - but is also taking 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.

It seems to be a different story in cup competitions, though - on Tuesday night, Pickering won 3-1 at Stocksbridge Park Steels in the FA Trophy to progress to the first qualifying round, where they will travel to Prescot Cables.

"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."

The Pikes needed extra time to see them through the Trophy match, with Stocksbridge's Jordan Lemon having cancelled out Matty Turnbull's opener.

Ryan Blott scored a superb free kick in the 104th minute and Frickley Athletic loanee Sam Cable added in the 120th - his third goal in as many games.

Cable's loan is up on 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."

Striker Danny Earl will be missing for at least three weeks with a stress fracture of the tibia. Work commitments kept Tom Claisse out of Tuesday's replay at Stocksbridge.

Second-placed Tadcaster Albion host Ossett United on Saturday.

The Brewers have a perfect record at Ings Lane this season, claiming four wins from four, while Ossett are yet to pick up a point on the road.

United are currently 17th and outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone, in some contrast to their play-off hunting season last term.

Third-placed in Northern Counties East League division one, Selby Town host fellow high-fliers Campion at the weekend. Both the Robins and second-placed Campion are looking for their eighth straight league win.