Pickering Town boss Pete Vasey is hoping a raft of new blood at the Recreation Ground can help end his side’s slump.

The Pikes remain rock bottom of the Northern Counties East League premier division following a 2-1 defeat against Parkgate at Mill Lane last Saturday, but Vasey has signed a number of recruits in a bid to stop the rot.

Reece Richards and Bradley Riley, formerly of FC Halifax, Darren Brandon, who has joined from Tadcaster, and Dave Hartas, from Scarborough Athletic, have been brought in to bolster numbers.

Vasey is also trying to hang on to Joel Ramm and Stuart Rice from Scarborough and Tadcaster respectively, who have given Pickering seven days notice of approach, but both players have currently indicated they want to remain at the club.

Following a 4-0 midweek drubbing by Scarborough, the Parkgate defeat was Pickering’s second home league loss of the week. It was a game in which Vasey’s men had their chances to salvage at least a draw.

In the opening 12 minutes both sides had chances to take the lead, Parkgate’s Daniel Barlow and Liam Davis had long-range efforts saved by Pickering goalkeeper Chris Barratt and debutant Richards went close with a 20-yard effort.

Pickering conceded a penalty after 14 minutes when skipper Tommy Adams clashed with Daniel Cardwell in the box.

The assistant flagged and Chris Wood coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner – sending Barratt the wrong way.

But the home side levelled on 27 minutes when Richard Batley’s cross was converted with a bullet header from Lee Pallender.

After the break, Pickering almost took the lead when Brandon headed wide from Rice’s cross but defences were in the ascendancy.

Parkgate began to get on top in the last 20 minutes following the introduction of substitute Nathan Forbes-Swindells, who was a constant problem with speed and skill.

With quarter of an hour remaining, he set up Ashley Worsfold, who hit a post, but the latter was to prove the match-winner two minutes later.

It was Forbes-Swindells’ turn to rattle the woodwork, but Worsfold followed up to head home.

Both teams had chances in the last 10 minutes with Parkgate ’keeper James Jenkinson denying both Steve Baxter and Mark Triffitt.

Pickering: Barratt, Andrew, Ramm, Batley (Seaton 86), Pallender, McNaughton, Taylor (Baxter 57), Rice, Brandon, Adams, Richards (Triffitt 67). Sub not used: Woodhall.

Last Tuesday, Pickering were humbled 4-0 by derby rivals Scarborough Athletic, who had former Pikes favourite Kevin Martin in goal.

He made a couple of fine saves to prevent Baxter and Joe Connor from giving the Pikes the lead, before Ryan Blott opened the scoring for the visitors on 20 minutes with an unstoppable free-kick.

Second-half goals were scored by Curtin Bernard, Blott and Billy Law on the stroke of full-time.

Pickering: McDonald, Andrew, Gowan, Connor (Woodhall 74), Pallender, McNaughton, Rhodes, Rice, Baxter, Triffitt, Taylor. Subs not used: Weatherald, Barratt.

Last night (Tuesday), Pickering were trying to alleviate their league woes at fifth-placed Retford United. On Saturday, they travel to Tadcaster Albion.

Pickering Under-19s also tasted defeat in a 2-0 loss at York City in the FA Youth Cup. Ben Weir and Rob Moncur got the goals. Meanwhile, the Pikes are to hold their second dinner and cabaret evening on Friday, October 28, at the Recreation Club at 7pm for 7.30pm. Alan Becks will perform the songs of rock ‘n roll legends, while among the items to be auctioned include a day’s racing for four on any course in Yorkshire, a round of golf for four and a chance to become a zookeeper for the day at Flamingoland.

Tickets cost £25 and can be bought at Dunnings Butchers, Bridge Street, from any committee member of the Pikes or from secretary/chairman Keith Usher on 01944 711448.