PIKES boss Jimmy Reid has confirmed that the club will not be applying for membership of the UniBond first division should they earn promotion this year.

Whilst Town are still in the hunt for the top spot, they have faltered since Christmas. The decision is a broad hint from the club that they feel the title could be out of their reach this season.

Reid admitted "the goalposts have changed" over the last few weeks.

But he said: "Even if we didn't win another game this season, it would still prove to be a good season. One or two people may be disappointed at our form but you have to look at the bigger picture.

"I'll still be disappointed if we don't finish in the top three or four though." With a new executive committee being set up, the club are looking to strengthen the set-up off the field.

Former mayor Bill McCall has been brought in as a business consultant and Reid said the club were looking at establishing a five-year plan.

Reid was also hoping for the introduction of more staff to lighten his load. His former number two Steve Brown is now kit manager at York City. Richard Rose is currently helping him with coaching duties.

League Cup third round

Glasshoughton Welfare 3,

Pickering Town 2

WHAT a difference a week makes in football. It is an old cliche, but Pickering Town, who were 8-1 winners at home to Brodsworth a just over a week ago, were riding on the crest of a wave. But then they suffered defeat at home to Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday, and on Tuesday night a 3-2 away defeat at Glasshoughton Welfare in the League Cup third round ended any chance of cup glory this season.

It was a good start for Glasshoughton, who are fourth from bottom of the Premier Division and over whom the Pikes have already completed a league double. In the first minute, a right wing corner by Luke Smith saw the ball flash across the Pikes' goal, with Dave Dickinson and Shaun Jeavons both missing good chances.

However, after five minutes, Glasshoughton took the lead when Darren Rushton strolled in between two Pikes defenders who were dilly-dallying with the ball. Rushton ran on and blasted the ball into the Pikes' goal. A minute later Jeavons had a 25-yard shot well saved by Adam Mitchell.

The Pikes equalised after 14 minutes when a Tom Reid free kick was headed on by Simon Sturdy for Paul Brown to head the ball into his own goal. Dean MacAuley, who was back from suspension, was cautioned after 19 minutes. He will also be missing the next two games after Saturday's fixture because of another suspension.

Glasshoughton regained the lead after 28 minutes. A long ball from midfield by Jones found Richard Stack who scored with a 20-yard shot. Six minutes later, the Pikes equalised when a superb move by Danny Farthing found Mark Wood, who beat the advancing keeper to score a fine equaliser.

The last five minutes of the first half saw Glasshoughton get well on top, with Dickinson and Jones both having good efforts well saved by Adam Mitchell. But a minute before half-time, Glasshoughton's skipper Richard Stack scored with a 30-yard right foot shot which went under Mitchell's body for what proved to be the winning goal.

The second half started with the Pikes looking for an equaliser. Tom Reid went close with a 25-yard shot after 49 minutes and Danny Farthing's superbly struck a 40-yarder on the hour which was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by the home keeper, Dave Turner.

Glasshoughton's Dickinson and Jeavons combined well with 15 minutes remaining, but Dickinson's final effort was just wide. The last 15 minutes saw MacAuley, Farthing and Zoll all go close for the Pikes, but overall Glasshoughton were full value for their win.

Pickering Town 1, Armthorpe Welfare 2

The Pikes remain second in the Northern Counties East League after Saturday's dismal home defeat to mid-table Armthorpe Welfare. Referee Craig Barker took centre stage, red-carding three Armthorpe players as well as Pikes' Adam Wash, sending Armthorpe's assistant manager from the bench and issuing five yellow cards.

Armthorpe took the lead after 27 minutes, when Simon Johnson's harmless looking cross was met by the Pikes' Tom Reid and keeper Martin, who made a complete hash of things, allowing Craig Roden the easiest of goals. Armthorpe increased their lead after 37 minutes with a well-flighted left wing free kick by skipper David Jones found Craig Roden, who out-jumped the Pikes defence to score with a glancing header.

The Pikes scored their goal after 82 minutes, a right wing left foot Joe Connor corner found Danny Farthing, who rose above everybody to score with a fine header, Farthing was easily the Pikes man of the match and deserved his goal.

On Saturday the Pikes visit Arnold Town and a coach is being provided. For details, contact Tony Dunning. On Tuesday, the Pikes are away at Buxton. Pickering's away game at Eccleshill which was postponed earlier this month has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 26.

Updated: 10:40 Thursday, February 14, 2002