THE next 72 hours could transform Selby Town’s Northern Counties East League premier division campaign into an historic one.

Buoyed by the midweek advance into the League Cup semi-final, the Robins return to league duty with two crtitical away games.

Tomorrow they journey to Nostell Miners Welfare and then on Monday visit Hallam. With leaders Mickleover Sports not in action over the weekend, a brace of victories would see Selby cut the advantage to a mere three points with both teams then having played the same number of games.

Selby know they will have to win both matches in hand to press their title claims and that will mean the likes of former York City man Leigh Wood and James McDaid excelling as they did in midweek.

As Selby’s star has risen, Pickering Town’s has waned in the wake of seven straight league defeats.

The Pikes tomorrow play host to a Bridlington Town team who are currently third in the table having won their last five games, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in the process.

Mark Wood’s men received a boost on Tuesday night, however, when a squad including six under-19 players reached the League Cup quarter-finals after a 3-0 victory at first division promotion hopefuls Rainworth.

The youngsters may get another chance to impress with Lyle Hillier, Rob Eeles and Ricky Greening still injured, Tom Adams and Joe Connor suspended and Steve Baxter on a six-month sabbatical in Australia.

Luke Ibbetson has also left for Selby, Jamie Williamson has returned to local football but centre-back Michael McNaughton is due to return.

Tadcaster Albion, who surrendered a two-goal lead given by a Kevin Smith brace in midweek to draw 2-2 with Yorkshire Amateur, are without a game in NCEL division one, where champions Scarborough host the same foes hoping to swell their points and goals tally.

Stuttering Harrogate Town head to Hyde after losing more ground in the Blue Square North play-off quest, while Harrogate Railway play host to Curzon Ashton in UniBond division one North.