YORK City boss Billy McEwan has set his team a target of finishing above Tamworth with a 100 per cent end to the season.

McEwan is still smarting over comments made by Tamworth player-boss Mark Cooper after the Staffordshire's 1-0 home victory against City last month.

Cooper claimed the win was unattractive Tamworth's easiest of the season and McEwan later used his words as a motivational tool before the 2-2 draw against Accrington Stanley.

Now, City's manager is demanding that his players try their hardest to bridge the six-point gap between themselves and the Lambs, who have played two games more, by the end of the season.

The Minstermen's Conference future will be secured tomorrow if Farnborough fail to beat Scarborough or Forest Green Rovers lose at Carlisle.

Equally, City can ensure safety, regardless of other results, by winning at Hereford.

But McEwan is looking for a bigger points haul, saying: "I want to win every game between now and the end of the season. I want all 15 points, not just the one or two that will make us safe.

"That might sound ridiculous but I want to catch Tamworth. They are sitting on 45 points and I want to finish above them for a variety of reasons. I also want to look at the table in the summer and be in as respectable a position as possible."

McEwan will give late fitness tests to Andy Bishop (knee), Dave Merris (thigh) and Ben Jackson (blister) before deciding on his starting line-up.

Paul D Robinson was withdrawn from the reserves team this week as he is likely to be required. Namesake Paul Robinson and Bryan Stewart could be on stand-by as well.

Midfielder Byron Webster is unlikely to figure after his girlfriend was in a serious car accident.

McEwan is hoping that his team can carry on their decent record against the division's better sides when they visit their third-placed hosts.

City have beaten five of the top eight Conference sides this term, including leaders Barnet and second-placed Carlisle. Said McEwan: "I'm hoping that trend continues. It's all about having the right mental attitude and approaching the games professionally.

"I think the players know it's going to be tough so they raise their game, knowing if they don't they will get hammered.

"We have got Hereford and Carlisle in the next few days. Hereford play some decent football and both matches will be tough."

Updated: 10:43 Friday, April 08, 2005