PICKERING Town's pre-season preparations stepped up a gear as they won two matches without conceding a goal.

A Harrogate Under-21 outfit was seen off 4-0 with goals from debutant Matthew Brown, Lewis Taylor, Jamie Patterson and Liam Salt.

The Pikes then visited Selby Town and came away with a 3-0 success thanks to first half goals from Sam Calvert and Taylor (2).

Manager Mitch Cook's men were entertaining neighbours Scarborough Athletic last night (Tuesday) and are next in action against another set of Evo-Stik League neighbours, Whitby Town, at the Recreation Ground on Tuesday, August 5 (7.45pm).

Pickering will be allowing under-16s into all league games free of charge this season.

Whitby, meanwhile, beat a strong Hartlepool side 2-1. Trialist striker, and former Sunderland player, Craig Lynch scored both Town goals after Connor Smith had given Hartlepool the lead six minutes before half time.

The Blues had previously lost 3-0 at home to Scottish part-timers Hamilton Academical.

Tonight (Wednesday) sees Whitby travel to West Auckland (7.30pm) and on Saturday they will entertain Darlington 1883 (3pm) prior to next Tuesday's trip to Pickering Town.