TADCASTER Albion manager Paul Marshall believes reaching the President’s Cup final will have an uplifting effect during the club’s run-in to the end of the league season.

Steven Jeff’s second-minute goal saw the Brewers beat Bridlington Town 1-0 in Tuesday night’s semi-final to set up an April 27 meeting with treble-chasing Farsley.

In the meantime, Marshall is counting on that game galvanising his fifth-placed team, rather than proving a distraction, during their final five games of the Northern Counties East League premier division season.

Albion have only won two of their last seven league matches but Marshall said: “Reaching the final enables us to keep the league campaign alive because everybody will be fighting for their places in that match. Our form in the league has been inconsistent but we’ve got a few players coming back from injury now, so it’s a nice opportunity to finish the season strongly and win some silverware.”

Centre-back Andy Dawson, winger Matty Howgate and midfielder Nick Thompson are all expected to be available again for tomorrow’s trip to second-bottom Hallam, who were unbeaten in three matches, including Saturday’s surprise 5-5 draw at Winterton Rangers, going into last night’s home fixture with Farsley.

Marshall, therefore, is not expecting a comfortable afternoon in South Yorkshire, saying: “Banging in five at Winterton is quite an achievement unless it was one of those freakish results you get for one reason or another.

“They are fighting against relegation though and need to win their games in hand to get above Arnold. It won’t be the easiest of games, especially on their sloping pitch.”

The Albion boss added that the club would be seeking a change of venue from Pickering Town’s Mill Lane ground for their final meeting with Farsley.

“We’re very disappointed that the final will be held there,” Marshall admitted. “It’s a long way for everybody to go, especially Farsley, so the chances of getting a good crowd are limited.”

Pickering will be hoping for a fourth straight home win when they play host tomorrow to second-placed Parkgate, who have only won one of their last four encounters.

Elsewhere, Selby Town will want to halt a losing run, currently standing at seven games, when they entertain Brighouse, who are without a win from their last seven matches.

The visitors will leapfrog the 15th-placed Robins should they collect maximum points.

Scarborough Athletic entertain fellow mid-table outfit Nostell while, in the Blue Square Bet North, Harrogate Town, unbeaten in seven matches, will climb above 14th-placed visitors Vauxhall Motors with a win.

Third-bottom Harrogate Railway travel to Salford City in the Evostik League’s first division north.