York City can effectively seal their place in the play-offs with victory over AFC Wimbledon at Bootham Crescent. The Minstermen are currently ten points clear of the Dons with only five games left. At the moment York have 71 points, while the maximum totals their closest challengers can achieve is: Kettering (71), AFC Wimbledon (76), Crawley (74) and Mansfield (70). Therefore only Crawley could match York’s total if Martin Foyle’s side wins tonight, which would also take the Dons out of the equation, but the Sussex club’s current goal-difference trails York’s by 28 goals.
Vital Quotes:
York manager Martin Foyle told The Press: “The Altrincham win was a massive three points and it put a smile on everyone`s faces. We have got a good squad of players, everyone has worked hard to get where we are. They (AFC Wimbledon) have got to come at us and that`s something we have prepared for. It will be a difficult game.”
AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown told BBC Sport: “The trip to York should have been a chance to make some ground up on them but realistically York will have to implode for us to make the play-offs. It’s going to be difficult to lift the players now but they will be looking to play for pride and their places in the side next year.”
York City Team News:
David McGurk will almost certainly continue in the centre of defence after scoring on his return against Altrincham on Easter Monday. Djoumin Sangare missed that game due to a slight knee injury suffered in the 4-0 romp at Grays Athletic. The likes of Alex Lawless, Chris Carruthers and Michael Rankine will also be hopeful of inclusion after coming on for the late victory over Altrincham two days ago.
Player to watch: Richard Brodie
You simply can’t keep him out of the headlines. Three goals in his last two games and firmly back on the goal trail. He is so crucial to York and his form over the final month of the season will probably decide their fate.
AFC Wimbledon Team News:
AFC Wimbledon have doubts over strikers Danny Kedwell (knee) and Luke Moore (hip), while defender Brett Johnson (heel) is also likely to miss out. Jon Main (knee ligaments) has already been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
The Dons were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Blue Square Premier leaders Stevenage Borough in their last game, when they lined up as follows: Brown, Conroy, Lorraine, Johnson, Blanchett, Hatton, Gregory, Hendry (Elder 46), Wellard, Kedwell, Moore (Poole 65) – subs (unused) Pullen, Judge, Adjei
Player to watch: Nathan Elder
Powerful striker signed on loan from Shrewsbury Town in January until the end of the season. Has scored four times in sixteen appearances for the Dons.
Match Facts & Stats
This is AFC Wimbledon’s first-ever trip to Bootham Crescent. The former Wimbledon club made four visits in the old Fourth Division days, winning three and drawing one. But York won the corresponding fixture at Kingsmeadow back in November, with a goal from Michael Rankine.
York’s team that day was: Ingham, Parslow, Graham, McGurk, Meredith, Lawless, Mackin, Barrett (Ferrell 82), Carruthers, Rankine, Brodie (Gash 78) – subs (unused) Mimms, Smith, Gall
Match Prediction:
A vital game for both clubs. It’s going to be tight. York rarely do things the easy way, and while a victory would be wonderful, we’re going to hedge our bets and go for a 1-1 draw on this occasion.
Next Fixtures:
York – Eastbourne (A); AFC Wimbledon – Mansfield (A)
