Pickering Town Match Preview

First goal at Pickering Town last season

After the last league game l saw at Harworth Park, the home of Hall Road Rangers, l did not think this would be a league fixture in the 2018/19 season.  After seeing Pickering Town get the point they needed for promotion and accepting another year in NCEL Premier division.  However, the golden ticket came along and both of us got promoted. 

It's a massive day for both clubs as we both make our Evo-Stik debuts and both sides will want to start with a win.  Last season the Bulls did the double over Pickering Town in the league with a 3 2 victory at Pickering and a 2 1 home success at the Forest Town Arena.  Both games were great games of football in a tense environment as both teams were aware of the significance of the games we were playing and the position in the league table. 

Our overall record against Pickering currently reads

Played 4 Won 2 lost 2

Paul Marshall will bring his Pickering Town team to the Forest Town Arena on the back of an FA Cup victory against Bishop Auckland while Rudy Funk's side will have a great deal of confidence after the weekend's victory at Kirby Muxloe. 

It is not the only club that the bulls have faced managed by Paul Marshall.  We went up against him whilst manager of Tadcaster Albion in the FA Vase, a game which saw Ryan Williams and Rudy Funk see red and the Bulls eventually lost this by 3 goals to nil. 

Pickering have strengthened their side again over the summer, just like the Bulls, and have again secured the services of the Hull City Goalkeeper Harry Andrews, who looked very good against us last season.  Ryan Blott, also remains at the club.  Blott who was Pickering's top scorer and also second in the NCEL Premier division scoring charts will be a threat for the Bulls on Saturday to overcome. 

As we have played Pickering on a number of occasions before, l won't go into too much detail on their past, but this is their first venture into Step 4, like the Bulls, and l am sure they will be wanting to take the bulls by the horns, and register their first three points. 

The Bulls will go into the game with all players available except for the three players absent last weekend.  There is the possibility that Rudy Funk may add to his squad between the time of writing and the weekend, if he does more news on the website. 

It's a great opportunity for the club to showcase ourselves at this new level and hopefully turn some eyes to the Forest Town Arena.  Remember to hear more about our fellow Northern Premier League East teams there is a preview of the season on the NPL Podcast which is normally released on a Friday.  Will be well worth a listen to see how they feel our chances are for the new season. 

Remember its a new challenge, its a new league with some great places to visit.  I am sure there will be some ups along the way and some downs, but as a club we have come so far in the last 6 years and this week starts a new chapter in our history.  Let's all get behind the boys no matter what the result and no matter how the season is going.  The supporters are the 12th man and can play an important part. 

The game on Saturday is at home at the Forest Town Arena with a 3pm kick off. 

Admission prices

Adults £7
Concessions £5
Accompanied children free otherwise a charge of £2 applies. 

As most of you will be aware we will be holding a minutes silence in memory of Simon Crofts, Welfare Manager who passed away suddenly last week.  



Olly Fearon Celebrating the winning goal at home to Pickering last season