With the firm words of manager Martin Foyle doubtless still ringing in their ears following their dreadful collapse against Eastbourne Borough, York City return to action as FA Trophy finalists Barrow visit Bootham Crescent.
After previously asking his side to remain undefeated for the remainder of their programme, Foyle has now called for a maximum six points from their next two home games in a bid to avoid finishing in fifth place, and a play-off showdown with the eventual runners-up.
Barrow are the first obstacle to overcome followed by bottom-of-the-table Grays Athletic at the weekend. Meanwhile, closest rivals Rushden & Diamonds, who are currently one-point ahead of York, have a couple of awkward away games at Mansfield Town and Wrexham, although neither of those clubs have much to play for.
The Cumbrians are currently six-points clear of safety, but midway through a ridiculous schedule of five games in just ten days due to a host of earlier postponements. They are back in action against Crawley Town at Holker Street just forty-eight hour later.
Vital Quotes:
“I want the players to prove Saturday`s performance was a one-off,” York boss Foyle told The Press. “I think they [Barrow] will be at their strongest because they want to ensure they stay up and the players will also be fighting to secure places for their FA Trophy final against Stevenage. We want six points from the next two home games and then we`ll have to see how Rushden get on. We are looking for a win tonight in what we regard as an important match and then Saturday should take care of itself, although we will not be taking anything for granted against Grays.”
York City Team News:
Foyle is considering recalling midfielder Neil Barrett after he was rested at the weekend, while Richard Brodie should continue in attack despite being only three bookings away from another suspension. Defender Djoumin Sangare remains the only serious injury doubt with a knee problem.
Player to watch: James Meredith
Always keen to join the attack from left-back and one of York’s best players throughout the season after a somewhat uncertain start.
Barrow Team News:
Former Everton striker Nick Chadwick was left on the bench for the weekend trip to Hayes & Yeading United to avoid a tenth booking. But he should return alongside 18-goal leading marksman Jason Walker as the visitors look to improve their recent record of only one win in five games.
Player to watch: Jason Walker
One of the best strikers in the Conference, with a good all-round game and a real eye for goal, as his consistent return shows.
Match Facts & Stats
York still haven’t beaten Barrow since their fall into non-league. The corresponding fixture this season remained scoreless at Holker Street, while the Bluebirds prevailed 2-1 at home in their FA Trophy quarter-final tie at the beginning of last month. The two sides also met three times last term, with a 1-1 draw at Bootham Crescent and a 0-0 in Cumbria either side of Barrow’s 3-1 Setanta Shield home victory. However, York’s overall record is unsurprisingly superior on their own ground with sixteen wins and five draws in thirty games.
Match Prediction:
Never easy to beat as their record shows against York, who should though still have enough to edge a narrow 2-1 victory.
Next Fixtures:
York: Grays (H); Barrow: Crawley (H)
