PICKERING Town face a tricky task tomorrow as they bid to keep the pressure on Cleethorpes Town in the battle for the Northern Counties East League title.

A 5-0 victory against Parkgate last weekend lifted Paul Marshall's men back to second in the premier division – eight points behind Cleethorpes but with a game in hand.

They now host a Garforth Town side (3pm) whose results have improved dramatically over the last few weeks courtesy of an unbeaten run in January, including 16 goals in four straight wins.

However, if the Pikes win tomorrow and again in their game in hand away to Worksop Town next Wednesday (7.45pm), top spot could well be within reach.

Cleethorpes were in FA Vase action last weekend and booked a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, being drawn with Southall of the Spartan South Midlands League later this month.

They will be focusing on the league again tomorrow as they host tenth-placed Hemsworth, but, while Marshall only last week said the title was now "Cleethorpes' to lose", there is a growing possibility that the Vase, with its Wembley final, could prove a distraction.

If so, Pickering are in the best position to take advantage after leap-frogging Bridlington Town.

And a good run now will set up a mouth-watering clash with the leaders when the two face off on the Lincolnshire coast on February 25.

The Pikes, meanwhile, have been drawn at home to Evo-Stik League neighbours Scarborough Athletic in the semi-finals of the North Riding County FA Senior Cup.

Whitby Town, conquerors of York City in the last round, will host Middlesbrough under-23 reserves in the other tie. The games must be played before February 28.

Elsewhere in the NCEL premier division, Harrogate Railway host Rainworth, a day before the hold an extraordinary general meeting to discuss funding issues and a plan to ensure the club's survival. Chairman Rob Northfield will unveil a proposal designed to make Railway "one of the best community football clubs" in the country.

In division one, Knaresborough Town will be without suspended keeper Jack Rushworth for the trip to Glasshoughton.

Rushworth, sent off in last weekend's draw against Selby Town, will be replaced by Dan Dekanski. Selby, meanwhile, have a weekend off.

Harrogate Town, seven points off the play-off zone, allowed striker Chib Chilaka to join National League North rivals Gainsborough Trinity on loan this week.

Simon Weaver's side visit Boston United tomorrow (3pm).