PICKERING Town boss Jimmy Reid has vowed to blood some of his youngsters as his side embark on a packed end-of-season programme, which will see them playing 12 games in just over a month.

The Pikes have enjoyed another good week, picking up four points against Glapwell and Thackley to continue their unbeaten run but they are struggling to keep pace with leaders Alfreton Town.

And Reid admitted he already has half an eye on next season. He said: "I'm looking at the bigger picture and looking to build for next year. Now is the time to put some of the second team lads in to see how they do, with next year in mind."

Thackley 1

Pickering Town 1

On a bumpy, hard and sandy playing surface, the Pikes got off to the worst possible start, going a goal down after just ten seconds. Danny Toronczak took advantage of a static Pickering defence to score with ease.

Thackley remained on top for the whole of the first half. Toronozak should have added to his tally but shot wide with only Kevin Martin to beat.

The Pikes were a different side in the second half. Stefan Zoll went close twice, while Joe Connor and Phil O'Reilly also had chances.

Martin made a couple of good saves for the Pikes before they equalised after 71 minutes. Danny Farthing beat four men before scoring from 18 yards.

Overall, this was a poor game, which saw the former York City, Huddersfield Town and Chesterfield forward Ian Dunn make his debut for the Pikes.

Pickering Town 2

Glapwell 0

The Pikes made the perfect start when they took the lead after eight minutes. After making a 45-yard run from midfield down the left wing, Danny Farthing crossed for Matthew Morton to shoot home.

Simon Sturdy and Adam Wash both went close for the Pikes but at the other end Pikes keeper Kevin Martin saved superbly from Freddie Morgan.

Morton forced a brilliant save from Neil West before Dean MacAuley got the crucial second goal 15 minutes into the second half. He scored from ten yards after latching on to a lovely ball from Phil O'Reilly.

Glapwell started to play their best football of the game but Pickering were able to sit back on their lead.

Pickering reserves lost 3-1 to a York and District representative side on Tuesday night.

Forthcoming fixtures: First team - Glapwell (a), Mar 30; Borrowash Victoria (h), Apr 1; Selby (a), Apr 3; Thackley (h), Apr 6; Harrogate Railway (h), Apr 9; Denaby Utd (a), Apr 13; Borrowash Victoria (a), Apr 16; Alfreton (h), Apr 20; Goole (h), Apr 23; Brodsworth (a), Apr 27; Eccleshill Utd (a), Apr 30; Buxton (a), May 3.

Reserves: Eccleshill Utd (h), Apr 2, Farsley Celtic (a), Apr 6; Glasshoughton (a), Apr 10; Liversedge (a), Apr 27.

Updated: 09:50 Thursday, March 28, 2002