PICKERING Town boss Denny Ingram has called for his side to show their "cutting edge" when they travel to Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Pickering are bottom of the BetVictor Northern Premier League north/west table after 15 matches, in which time they've taken just five points - putting them three adrift of nearest side Ossett United.

After suffering a 5-0 thrashing by York City in the North Riding Senior Cup on Tuesday night, the Pikes return to league action with a trip to Manchester.

Saturday's hosts Trafford have 20 points to their name already this term and are only outside the play-off places on goal difference.

Their 23 goals scored is the best of any side outside the top four and they will likely fancy their chances against a Pickering defence that have let in 38 league goals this term - a joint-league high.

"We've got another away game in the north west of the country," said Ingram of the trip.

"We'll regroup after the York City game and I'll speak to (coaching staff) Ryan (Blott), and Benno (James Bennett) and we'll pick a squad to go to Trafford to make sure that we come back with three points.

"I thought young Tom (Best), who has come to us from Hull, looked very comfortable on the ball and got around the pitch well against York.

"Iwan (Heeley) was good as well and he's come in and ticked a lot of boxes for us. In spells, young Elliot (Holmes) looked very comfortable on the ball and got into some good areas.

"For us, it's just about having that cutting edge. When push comes to shove, we need to stamp our authority on games."

Ingram was particularly critical of his side's "unacceptable" defence in the loss to York and warned that his players need to step up their levels or face new recruits being brought in.

"I thought in spells, we played some really good stuff," he reflected of the match. "Certainly going forward we looked comfortable, had some decent movement.

"But unfortunately, at any standard of football, you can't give goals away like we have done. That's been the story of our season so far.

"We're still seeing the same things time and time again. Something has got to give. I can't keep making excuses for people.

"People need to step up to the plate and take responsibility but unfortunately, it's going to be a matter of them stepping up to the plate or we need to make a decision to replace them."

"Even though we were playing York, I'm still disappointed with the result.

"At least four of the goals were questionable from our side. Of course, York ere lively and very good going forward, as they should be.

"There is was a gulf in class and quality of course. But some of the goals that we conceded were totally unacceptable."

Elsewhere, fellow NPL north/west side Tadcaster Albion will be aiming for a return to the play-offs when they host 13th-placed Droylsden in new manager Paul Quinn's first game in charge.

And, Selby Town could close the ten-point gap to Northern Counties East League division one leaders Skegness Town should they win at home to Hallam.

The visiting side are currently tenth in the league standings, with five less points than Selby, though they've played two more games.