With just one loss in ten games, confidence is high within the Pickering Town camp as they prepare for their game at Liversedge in the Northern Counties East League top tier, writes James Jeavons.

The Pikes received some respite from their busy schedule during the week, as their scheduled home game against Staveley Miners Welfare was postponed, with Staveley already having a game in the Sheffield Hallamshire Cup.

Pikes manager Jimmy Reid said it was frustrating the fixture was KO’d.

“Obviously every team who’s in form wants to continue playing and get another three points but it wasn’t to be and we’ll look to pick up three points when the game is re-scheduled.”

The Pikes manager will now focus on the trip to mid-table side Liversedge.

Despite Liversedge only winning two home games all season, Reid stated his team still need to be wary of an upset.

“Any team can beat any team in this league but we are confident because we are on a good run.”

The Pikes currently sit seventh with games in hand on teams above them but Reid has vowed to stick to his target he set at the start of the season.

He said: “Ideally, we’d like to finish in the top six – our target at the start of the season. Despite many of our remaining games being against teams towards the bottom of the division, we can’t take any for granted.”

While the break in midweek will help with the squad’s fitness levels, Reid is forced into two changes tomorrow.

Pikes’ under-19 goalkeeper Alex McDowall will replace regular number one Dave Bramley, while Reid confirmed Ryan Braithwaite will make his full debut in place of Lewis Taylor.

He added: “The young lad from the U19s will play instead of Dave who is unavailable. Lewis is busy playing in the final of a seven-a-side cup so Ryan Braithwaite will make his full debut.”

Another team hoping to continue their good form is Tadcaster Albion who travel to NCEL top-flight free-scorers Scarborough Athletic.

The Brewers, who have lost just one game in the last six, will have to be wary of the Seadogs who have scored an incredible 21 goals in their last five games.