MANAGER Paul Marshall has left Pickering Town by mutual consent with immediate effect.

Assistant manager Denny Ingram will fill the vacancy until the end of the season, starting with Saturday's game against Ossett United at Mill Lane.

Marshall presided over the Pikes' promotion to Step 4 for the first time in their history after finishing runners-up in the Northern Counties East League premier division last season, and led an FA Trophy run that was stopped agonisingly short of the first round proper.

In the league, however, the Pikes have struggled this term, sitting two points above the Evo-Stik League east division relegation zone after Tuesday's 3-1 home defeat to AFC Mansfield.

A spokesperson for Pickering said: "The club would like to thank Paul for his work during what has been our most successful period of recent times, culminating in promotion to the Evo-Stik League this season.

"We wish Paul good fortune for the future. We hope to see him at some time soon. He will always be welcome at the club."

The club will issue no further comment.