York City will be hoping for a magnificent seventh season in the Conference when opening proceedings against Kidderminster Harriers at Bootham Crescent this weekend.
Manager Martin Foyle has largely held on to last term’s squad, with only Ben Purkiss, Luke Graham and Adam Smith departing for pastures new. Crucially, York have retained the services of goal-king Richard Brodie, who has been joined by several new colleagues as the Minstermen look to improve on last season’s narrow miss.
Meanwhile, opponents Kidderminster have kept only five of their squad from last season, but have prospered recently with six successive victories in pre-season.
Vital Quotes:
“They have a lot of experience with players like Marc Albrighton, John Finnigan, Chris McPhee and Lee Morris. We know they will be decent going forward so we will need to defend well but, even though they`ve had a fantastic pre-season, you don`t know what their game plan will be,” York manager Martin Foyle told The Press.
“Brodie is a danger man and Gashy up front is always going to be a threat – that much is obvious,” Harriers boss Steve Burr told Kidderminster’s official website. “Peter Till is a quality player and there is no question that York will want to go one further after missing out last season. The people of York and the supporters of the club expect their side to be in the Football League so of course it is a tough start for us.”
York City Team News:
Duane Courtney and David McDermott are both in contention to face their former club, although the former has missed much of pre-season with a nagging knee problem. However, fellow recent recruit Greg Young is unlikely to feature having sat out most games to date with a bruised foot. Manager Foyle would appear to have a straight choice between Danny Parslow and Djoumin Sangare to partner David McGurk in central defence. Parslow is also an option at right-back should Courtney be ruled out, while Alex Lawless could also fill the role if required. Jonathan Smith will contest a central midfield role with the likes of Neil Barrett and Levi Mackin, while McDermott, Peter Till and Chris Carruthrs compete for wide places. Either Michael Rankine or Michael Gash will partner Brodie in attack, with George Purcell starting on a substitutes bench that should also include goalkeeper David Knight – a new understudy for ‘Clubman of the Year’ Michael Ingham.
York City (possible): Ingham, Lawless, Parslow, McGurk, Meredith, Till, Mackin, Smith, Carruthers, Gash, Brodie
Player to watch: Richard Brodie
Hard to look past the 37-goal striker from last season. But he will only be as good as those immediately supporting him and therefore York fans will also be eagerly assessing the likes of newcomers Jonathan Smith, Peter Till and David McDermott.
Kidderminster Harriers Team News:
Midfielder John Finnigan has already been ruled out with a twisted knee, but young defender Tom Sharpe has been declared fit. Otherwise, Lee Vaughan serves the first of a four-match suspension. Recent signing Lee Morris is set to partner Chris McPhee in attack.
Kidderminster Harriers (possible): Lewis, Shaw, Sharpe, Albrighton, Williams, Hankin, Briggs, Byrne, Gittings, Morris, McPhee
Player to watch: Chris McPhee
Experienced midfield campaigner who could be pushed further forward into attack for the much-changed visitors.
Match Facts & Stats
York completed a league double over Kidderminster last season. Richard Brodie scored twice and Michael Gash was also on target after Harriers’ Gavin Caines had been sent-off in a 3-2 victory at Bootham Crescent. Neil Barrett scored the only goal in the reverse fixture.
Next Fixtures:
York – Grimsby (A); Kidderminster – Southport (H)
