PICKERING TOWN'S pre-season preparations continued when they beat a strong Old Malton St Mary's side 2-1 at the Malton Community Sports Centre.

Tony Hackworth put the Northern Counties East League premier division outfit ahead three minutes before half-time and their lead was doubled, early in the second half, through Joe Danby, pictured.

Old Malton, the reigning champions of the York Minster Engineering League, pulled a goal back through Robbie Baker.

Pikes manager Mitch Cook and his squad were entertaining Conference North outfit Harrogate Town tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm) and on Saturday travel to NCEL division one side Selby Town (3pm).

Next Tuesday sees them host Evo-Stik League side Scarborough Athletic (7.45pm).

Whitby Town, meanwhile, played their second pre-season game at the weekend when they visited Dunston FB and played the Tyneside outfit in non-stop heavy rain.

The clash finished 1-1, Steve Snaith heading Whitby into the lead in the first half following a Liam Shepherd corner. Andy Bulford equalised for the home side late on in the game.

Whitby were due to play Scottish outfit Hamilton Academical last night (Tuesday) at home and on Saturday they entertain League Two outfit Hartlepool United (3pm).