While they have enjoyed a healthy points return against most of their closest rivals in the division, it is the teams towards the lower end of the table that have caused York City the most trouble in recent times. And therefore they will be hoping to avoid further problems when Tamworth arrive at Bootham Crescent this weekend. The Lambs haven’t scored in their last five matches and face a real challenge to preserve their Blue Square Premier status between now and the end of the season.
Vital Quotes:
York manager Martin Foyle told The Press: “Tomorrow will be another hard game though. Tamworth should have beaten Oxford on Sunday and can change formation and make things hard for you. We will need to take the game to them because they will look to slow things down, but there`s nothing wrong with playing like that. We did it last season when we needed to go to places and stifle teams to get the crowd on their backs and you have to deal with that.”
Tamworth defender Richard Tait told The Tamworth Herald: “They are a good side but so are we and we have shown all season, and again in the last couple of matches, that we can live with the best teams in this league.”
Former York centre-back Chris Smith told The Tamworth Herald: “I enjoyed my three years at York even though they were mixed times on the pitch, because we got relegated and I was offered a deal, but then had it taken away from me. But, in terms of the fans, I`ve got nothing but good things to say about them and it would be nice to get a decent reception. York are a good club, with a great fan base and some very good players who could play at a higher level.”
York City Team News:
The Minstermen have a full-strength squad to choose from. Levi Mackin is available after completing a two-game ban, while fellow midfielders Alex Lawless and Chris Carruthers came through the midweek North Riding Senior Cup victory at Northallerton Town. Skipper Danny Parslow and regular centre-back colleague David McGurk are again expected to be on the bench.
Player to watch: Alex Lawless
Recently sidelined and always missed creatively in midfield. But can’t be sure of an immediate recall after York’s midweek win.
Tamworth Team News:
Midfielder Jake Sheridan serves the second of a two-match ban. Nick Wright (foot) is confirmed as still absent and Michael Briscoe (ankle) rated doubtful. But skipper and ex-York centre-back Chris Smith is expected to make his first return to Bootham Crescent.
Player to watch: Chris Smith
Tamworth’s skipper returns to his former club, having played for them in the Football League.
Match Facts & Stats
Tamworth have made three previous league visits to Bootham Crescent and won 2-0 on the last occasion in February 2007. Prior to that the Minstermen came out on top twice – 2-0 in their first-ever home Conference fixture, with Paul Groves and Paul Robinson their scorers, and 2-1 the following season, when Clayton Donaldson and Andy Bishop were both on target.
Next Fixtures:
York – Grays (A); Tamworth – Barrow (H)
