PICKERING Town will begin their FA Trophy campaign against fellow NPL north/west division side Trafford at the second round qualifying stage on Saturday at Mill Lane.

Trafford were ninth when action was stopped last season amid the coronavirus pandemic and have won six points from five games this term (one win, three draws, one defeat).

The Pikes will take confidence from securing their first league of the season against Ossett United last week, though they were unable to back that up against Kendal Town.

Pickering condemned Ossett to a fifth defeat from as many matches in the Pitching In Northern Premier League north/west division by a 2-1 scoreline.

Teenager Harry Jessop won the Man-of-the-Match, having only joined the club on a one-month loan from Scunthorpe United the previous day. The 18-year-old set up Jason Barnes’ opener for the hosts on 25 minutes to round off a clever team move.

Steve Roberts’ side would take that lead into half-time but Ossett managed to conjure an equaliser before the hour mark.

Nash Connolly’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Charlie Andrew’s feet but the ball fell to George Green who buried the rebound.

Pickering weren’t to be denied though and, after centre-back Jake Watson had an effort clear off the line, they found a winning goal. Jessop was again involved, this time turning scorer to finish Barnes’ assist following some good work by Wayne Brooksby in the build-up.

The Pikes were unable to secure consecutive wins in their next match against Kendal, falling to a 1-0 home defeat. Hugo Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game on nine minutes.