Whisper it very quietly but there is already an early relegation clash at Bootham Crescent this weekend as York City take on bottom club Altrincham. A stumbling start to their season has seen the Minstermen claim only three points from an available twelve, although they have at least avoided defeat three times out of their four games played. But early individual mistakes combined with a mini-goal drought for the normally prolific Richard Brodie have left plenty of questions still to be answered.
However, opponents Altrincham have fared even worse with three defeats in four games giving them just a paltry one-point return thus far. Therefore something should break this weekend, with one of these two struggling clubs finally shattering their duck. And those flag-waving, red-shirted York fans will certainly be hoping that it will be them doing the celebrating come Saturday night.
Vital Quotes:
“They will come for the draw, will drop off deep and we have got to break it down,” York boss Martin Foyle told The Press. “They will come to frustrate us and we have to have that finish. The lads are buoyant. They know they have played well and I am the first to be telling them. The last three games they have worked hard for me. It [the victory] is going to come. If you play well, it is going to come.”
York City Team News:
York are still expected to be without midfielder Levi Mackin, who has been sidelined recently by a knee injury. Duane Courtney and ex-Altrincham centre-back Greg Young are both back in contention after recovering from knocks, while fellow recent arrivals Peter Till and David McDermott continue to press their own claims for inclusion.
York City (possible): Ingham, Parslow, McGurk, Sangare, Meredith, Lawless, Smith, Barrett, Carruthers, Gash, Brodie
subs (unused): Courtney, Young, Rankine, McDermott, Till
Player to watch: Peter Till
The former Walsall winger has appeared York’s most creative player during his recent appearances from the bench.
Altrincham Team News:
Altrincham have been beset with a recent injury crisis that has ruled out Michael Twiss, Matt Doughty, Robbie Lawton, Anthony Danylyk and Shaun Densmore, while Chris Denham also picked up a knock during midweek. But the club have finally received international clearance from the Australian FA for Matty Crowell. Otherwise both Danny Holmes and Kevin Holsgrove have recently made their debuts as the Robins continue to try and offset the summer losses of the likes of Colin Little, Chris Senior and Greg Young.
Player to watch: Michael Welch
Brings plenty of experience into midfield for the injury-hit visitors.
Match Facts & Stats
Altrincham have made five previous Conference appearances at Bootham Crescent, winning once and drawing once. York’s Richard Brodie netted an injury-time penalty to win the corresponding game 2-1 last term and add to David McGurk’s opener.
Next Fixtures:
York – Fleetwood (A); Altrincham – Mansfield (H)
