PICKERING Town chairman Wayne Taylor has praised manager Paul Marshall after four consecutive wins in the Northern Counties East League premier division, writes Ian Appleyard.

The Pikes, who visit Clipstone this weekend, have picked up 12 points from a possible 15 so far this season and can go top of the table if they win their games in hand.

Marshall, however, is warning against complacency and believes his team is still a 'million miles' away from the standard needed to win the league.

Speaking to the Gazette, Taylor said: "Our aim this season is to finish in the top four and Paul is doing a good job. It is pleasing to think that we are in a position to go top by sneaking a couple of wins - because it's been a long time since we have been able to say that at Pickering Town."

Despite the promising start, Marshall, who took charge at Mill Lane 16 months ago, still wants more from his players.

"It's too early to think about going the top of the league," stressed Marshall. "We are picking up points but our performances are not good enough. We are not taking enough chances and we are making individual errors that are letting teams back into games.

"I am too long in the tooth to think we are 'brilliant' just yet," he added. "In fact, we are still a million miles from where I think we should be."

The arrival of former Hull City midfielder Jules Gabbiadini - still awaiting international clearance following a spell in the USA - will soon strengthen the Pikes but midfielder Lewis Taylor and captain Niall Tilsey are unavailable for this weekend's trip to Clipstone. Vincent Dhesi, meanwhile, left the club last week to play more regular first team football at Garforth Town.

The Pikes enjoyed success in the both league and cup competition last week.

On Saturday, they beat AFC Darwen 2-1 to book a place in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase against Consett, who were 5-1 winners over Hebburn Town.

Two goals from Robert Chipps put the Pikes in command before Nick Hepples, who was later sent off, pulled a goal back for Darwen.

Pickering V AFC Darwen: Wells, Parker, Danby, Taylor, Bissett, Tilsley, Thompson, Chipps, Blott (Ingram 90), Dalton (Ward (80), Robinson. Cooper not used. Crowd 174.

Last Tuesday night, the Pikes entertained Armthorpe Welfare, who came into the game bottom of the league without a point. The Pikes won with ease against a younger side.

The Pikes were always on top but did not open the scoring until five minutes before half time when a Joe Danby left foot right wing corner evaded everyone on the line.

Striker Ryan Blott had two headers saved by visiting goalkeeper Liam Copley and Ged Dalton shot over the crossbar before finding the net on 66 minutes.

Dalton cut inside from the right wing, beating four visiting players, before turning and unleashing an unstoppable 20 yard left foot shot into the bottom corner.

The Pikes third and final goal arrived deep into stoppage time when substitute Peter Lawrie was brought down by Cople., Referee Darren Whatling awarded the Pikes a penalty which Lewis Taylor put away smartly.

Pickering V Armthorpe: Wells, Parker, Danby, Taylor, Bissett (Ward 57 and replaced by Lawrie 89), Tilsley, Thompson, Dhesi (Chipps 75), Blott, Dalton, Robinson. Cooper and Ingram not used.

Marshall told the Gazette that he was not concerned by his side's growing number of 'games in hand.'

"Some people think it is better to have points in the bag," he said. "But sometimes, you end up playing re-arranged games towards the end of the season when some teams are not trying as hard."