PICKERING Town manager Paul Marshall has expressed 'disappointment' at the departure of defender Matty Turnbull to Scarborough Athletic, writes Ian Appleyard.

Turnbull, who was the club's Player of the Year last season, made his final appearance for the Pikes in last Tuesday night's League Cup victory over Hall Road Rangers.

The former Selby Town defender had been told he would not be involved against Bridlington Town in the FA Vase on Sunday after breaking club rules by turning out for Old Malton St Marys reserves without permission.

Turnbull duly signed for Scarborough and made his debut in Saturday's Evo-Stik First Division North victory against Ramsbottom United.

"I am disappointed by his decision to go to Scarborough because I would have preferred him to stay," Marshall admitted. "But there are rules at this club and all players have to abide by them.

"From his point of view, it is a footballing move and he wants to see if he can hold his own at a higher level. There are no hard feelings from our point of of view and we wish him good luck at his new club."

Despite Turnbull's departure, Pickering extended their impressive run of form with a 1-0 victory over Bridlington to progress in the FA Vase.

A last minute penalty from Lewis Taylor secured the win and the Pikes now host Northern League promotion chasers Shildon in the second round proper on Saturday November 12.

Watched by a bumper crowd of 334, Bridlington almost took the lead in the third minute when a Chris Jenkinson header was headed off the line by skipper Niall Tilsley.

The first chance for the Pikes came after 10 minutes when Russ Parker headed a Joe Danby cross over the bar from close range.

Bridlington's Walters struck the post after 32 minutes and George Bissett headed a Brett Agnew header off the line. Agnew hit the post just before the break and Bissett cleared the follow-up as Pickering battled to stay on level terms.

Ged Dalton's shot was saved by Bridlington goalkeeper James Hitchcock just after the interval and Bissett shot wide from long range.

Pickering snatched a dramatic winner after referee Needham ruled that striker Ryan Blott had been fouled in the penalty area.

Substitute Taylor smashed the subsequent spot kick past Hitchcock.

"It was not our best performance of the season but I was delighted by the result against a very determined side," reflected Marshall.

"Shildon will be an extremely tough game in the next round," he added. "You don't want to draw any team from the Northern League if you can help it - but we have drawn one of the best!"

The Pikes return to action in the Northern Counties East League premier division this weekend with a 'six pointer' at home to promotion rivals

Handsworth Parramore who were due to play third placed Thackley last night.

A victory would have extended the Sheffield-based club's lead over sixth placed Pickering to five points, albeit having played three more games.

One of the biggest spenders in the division, Handsworth further boosted their promotion push on Monday with a swoop for the division's 21 goal leading scorer, Rainworth Miners Welfare striker Adam Moxam.

The Pikes will be without the services of midfielder Nathan Kamara who is serving the second game of a three game ban.

The Pikes reached the fourth round of the League Cup last Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Hall Road Rangers. Lewis Taylor (76) and Ged Dalton (90) scored the goals.

Pikes V Bridlington Town: Wells, Parker, Danby, Chipps, Bissett, Tilsley, Thompson, Cooper (Ingram 90), Blott, Dalton (Gabbiadini 62), Robinson (Taylor 53). Substitute not used: Marshall. The Man of the Match award was shared between central defenders Tilsley and Bissett.

Pikes V Hall Road Rangers: Wells, Parker, Danby, Taylor, Turnbull (Marshall 80), Bissett (Tilsley 77), Thompson, Gabbiadini, Blott, Dalton, Robinson (Cooper 65). Substitutes not used: Chipps, Ingram.