PICKERING Town climbed to 11th in the Northern Premier League north/west division thanks to a 1-0 home win over Brighouse Town last Tuesday.

Harry Jessop's 28th-minute lob was the difference as the Pikes claimed their third win in four Mill Lane fixtures.

The Pikes have been going well of late, claiming the scalps of Ossett United (2-1), Trafford (1-0) in the FA Trophy second qualifying round, and Brig.

Saturday's home game against Prescot Cables was postponed with the visitors observing the final game of their isolation period after one of the team tested positive for Covid-19.

Pickering are back in action on Tuesday 27 at 12th-placed Marine, who will be on a high after securing their place in the first round proper of the FA Cup, beating National League North outfit Chester 1-0 at the Blues' Deva Stadium.

But the Pikes have reason to be buoyant as well. Six points from three games - not to mention the Trophy success against north/west division opposition - represents their best run of form since the middle of December last year.

On loan from Scunthorpe United for a month initially, 18-year-old Jessop looked composed as he continued this run of form last Tuesday.

With the half-hour approaching, club captain Wayne Brooksby stormed down the Brighouse left, cut in and curled an effort off Brig keeper Jacob Carney's left-hand post.

Defender James Hurtley, looking to put the ball out for a corner, saw his clearance rebound off man-of-the-match Brooksby and loop towards Jessop, who coolly lifted over the stranded Carney.

This coming Saturday, Pickering host in-form Runcorn Linnets (3pm) in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy, with a place in the first round proper and a prize fund of £3,750 up for grabs.

Pickering were knocked out of the Trophy at this stage two seasons ago, during what was their first appearance in the competition.

Then manager Paul Marshall guided them to replay victories over Droylsden and AFC Mansfield before suffering late heartbreak in a 2-1 loss at Ramsbottom United.