Joe Clegg’s debut strike was only enough to halve the deficit as Albion Sports ran out 2-1 victors at the Skye Direct Stadium on Saturday afternoon—a result that saw Golcar drop down to third in the table. Now winless in five league games and on the defeated side in their last four, Golcar United will be hungry to get back on track at home to Pickering Town this Tuesday.

Playoff chasers Pickering moved up to eighth in the standings as a result of their rampant three-to-nothing rout away at Campion at the weekend. In fact, the Pikes will arrive in HD7 following back-to-back three-to-nil victories versus Rossington Main and the aforementioned Campion—the side the Weavers picked up their last league win against, a game in which the score was also three goals to zero.

Founded in 1888, Pickering Town is one of the oldest clubs in the NCEL. Stalwarts of the league, the Pikes were one of the founding members of the NCEL in 1982, and they made their maiden appearance in the Premier Division in 1992.

Historically a successful side at this level, Pickering has finished as runners-up in the Premier Division three times. The two most recent times, 2016-17 and 2017-18, came under the guidance of current Garforth Town manager Paul Marshall—promotion to the Northern Premier League was achieved in the latter season.

The North Yorkshire side are also former FA Vase quarter-finalists and have reached the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on three occasions.

The Weavers traveled to the foot of the Yorkshire Moors in November, almost instantly creating a two-goal cushion thanks to a Callum Petch brace before twenty minutes had been played. Minutes after, Harley Dawson pulled the home side back into contention but the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Everyone involved with Golcar United will be craving a similar result to last time. Pickering may be in great form at the moment, but can they do it on a cold Tuesday night in the Colne Valley?

Get yourselves down to the Skye Direct on Tuesday night and help your side get back to business. Up the Village!

HEAD-TO-HEAD

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
09/11/24 – Pickering Town 1-2 Golcar United (C. Petch x2) - NCEL PD – Att. 134
27/01/24 – Golcar United 1-1 Pickering Town (G. Doyle) - NCEL PD – Att. 391
17/10/23 – Pickering Town 4-1 Golcar United (I. Acquah) - NCEL LC – Att. 87
26/09/23 – Pickering Town 2-1 Golcar United (A. Wilkinson) - NCEL PD – Att. 129

CURRENT LEAGUE POSITION:
Golcar United – 3rd
Pickering Town – 8th

GOALS FOR:
Golcar United – 57
Pickering Town – 53

GOALS AGAINST:
Golcar United – 33
Pickering Town- 55

TOP SCORER: *
Golcar United – George Doyle (15)
Pickering Town – Joe Wood (9)
*in the NCEL Premier Division (2024/25)

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Where are we going? Skye Direct Stadium
Longfield Avenue, Golcar, Huddersfield, HD7 4BT

How do we get there? From Huddersfield Centre: A62 Manchester Road to Milnsbridge. Left up Scar Lane, right on Sycamore Avenue, left into Longfield Avenue. From M62 J23: Take New Hey Road to Town Centre, then directions as above. Parking: On site or at local British Legion (Approx. 5 mins walk - 238 Scar Lane, Golcar, Huddersfield HD7 4AU)

What if I travel by public transport? Station: Huddersfield 3 miles. First Halifax Calder Valley & Huddersfield bus 301 from Huddersfield to Huddersfield (Scar Lane, East Street) three times per hour, journey time 16 min. Then, retrace along Scar Lane, left onto North Drive, left onto Longfield Avenue and ground is on right. Return bus is First Halifax Calder Valley & Huddersfield 302. Public transport directions courtesy of Andy Edwards.

How much is it going to cost? Adults: £6, Concessions: £4. Dogs allowed on a lead.

(Photo by Sean Doyle)