Andy Porter takes charge for his second game as York City chase a fourth successive home victory against Darlington at Bootham Crescent tonight. Caretaker manager Porter, assisted by youth coach Steve Torpey, helped guide York to their first away triumph of the season at the weekend, and will be looking to build upon recent home wins against Altrincham, Rushden & Diamonds and Hayes & Yeading United. But he will be coming up against a Darlington side who have responded well since their relegation at the end of last term and are currently unbeaten in their last seven games. The clash is being televised live by Premier Sports.
Vital Quotes:
“Tonight is a local derby and we’re looking forward to it,” Quakers boss Mark Cooper told Darlington’s official website. “We’re looking forward to every game now. We haven’t changed our outlook. That’s one defeat in 11 games now, so we just keep going and keep getting results. If we can stick a couple of wins together it makes the start to the season look very good.”
York City Team News:
Weekend goalscorer Alex Lawless is suspended after collecting his fifth caution of the season against Tamworth. But fellow midfielder Jonathan Smith is once again available having served a one-match ban of his own following his recent sending-off at Mansfield Town. Recalled centre-back Greg Young needed five stitches to a head at the weekend but should recover in time to continue. Meanwhile, recent recruits Jamal Fyfield and Danny Racchi are both likely to again feature, with ex-Sunderland striker David Dowson once more hoping for a chance from the bench after also signing for the club.
York City (probable): Ingham, Parslow, McGurk, Young, Meredith, Till, Barrett, Racchi, Fyfield, Gash, Rankine
subs: Knight, Courtney, Smith, Constantine, Dowson
Player to watch: Michael Gash
Form has been good and improving by the game and now just needs a goal to increase his overall confidence.
Darlington Team News:
Curtis Main was hoping for a start after impressing as a half-time substitute at the weekend, when fellow replacement John McReady left the bench to clinch a late 1-0 home victory over Southport.
Darlington (probable): Russell, Arnison, Hone, Austin, Brown, Gary Smith, Terry, Clarke, Michael Smith, Hatch, Senior
subs: Jack, Chandler, Phil Gray, McReady, Main
Player to watch: Chris Senior
Former Altrincham and Scarborough striker who set-up the winner against Southport at the weekend.
Match Facts & Stats
Next Fixtures:
York – Eastbourne (A); Darlington – Wrexham (H)
