PICKERING Town chairman Wayne Taylor described last weekend's 5-0 FA Vase defeat against Shildon as a 'wake-up call.'

The Pikes were humbled by the Northern League title holders in a second round game watched by 284 supporters, the biggest gate of the season so far at Mill Lane.

It was only the fourth time in 17 games that Paul Marshall's side have failed to win this season but it was also their third defeat in the last seven games.

"It was a bit of a wake-up call - but it was always going to be a tough game," admitted Taylor afterwards. "On our day, I think we can beat anyone in our league and, hopefully, we can bounce back this week."

The Pikes returned to action in the Northern Counties East League premier division last night against leaders Cleethorpes Town.

A victory would have lifted the club within eight points of Cleethorpes who have played two additional games - however the visitors had gone into the game unbeaten in 18 outings.

This Saturday, the Pikes visit Athersley Recreation who are eighth in the table having played three additional games.

Athersley's leading 16 goal marksman Kai Hancock is currently a target for Championship club Barnsley.

Hancock has been invited back for a second trial at Oakwell after scoring a hat-trick in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly.

Athersley manager Sean Margison said: "He has been injured but Barnsley are keen to get him back and have another look. He works full-time so he needs to arrange some days off for the trial - but he should be back at Oakwell in the next week or two. It's a big thing for him and for our club."

The draw for the quarterfinal of the League Cup has handed the Pikes a return to trip to local rivals Bridlington Town.

The two clubs met just over a month ago in the first round of the FA Vase when a late Lewis Taylor penalty goal settled the contest.

Next Tuesday, the Pikes are away against struggling Retford United.

Former Pickering chairman Keith Usher, meanwhile, is recovering at home after an eight hour operation in a York hospital.

Usher, who stepped down after six years in charge at Mill Lane this summer, has been battling illness for some time.

He spent 18 years working for York City and served as club secretary before becoming the Minstermen's first chief executive in 2002.