York City's defence will be leading the way forward against Aldershot Town on Sunday after proving they have got what it takes to perform together.

A rare spell of continuity has seen the back five produce a vastly improved defensive record with two consecutive clean sheets in the league.

And caretaker manager Viv Busby recognises the value of a tight back line especially against the likes of Conference play-off hopefuls Aldershot Town.

"We are not playing any differently," he said. "But we have been lucky enough to put out the same team in the last few games, and if you have a settled back four within that, then that is of major importance.

"It's the same all over the pitch that if you can put the same players out together, they build up an understanding but even more so at the back.

"Paul Groves slotted in there when Chris (Brass) got injured and with his age and his experience, he has done a great job.

"He has a steadying influence and reads the game well and is also a great talker."

Groves has gelled especially well with on-loan defender Jon Maloney, who has had a significant impact on the Minstermen's results in recent weeks, conceding no goals while he has been on the pitch in three of the last four league games.

Busby said: "He is very steady is Jon, week in, week out, he's in there doing a great job. Dave Penney at Doncaster Rovers said that you can rely on him and he's proven that Dave is a good judge of footballers.

"He's worked his socks off. He heads the ball, he reads it well - and he's only a young lad.

"Jon's enjoying himself and it's far better for him to be playing in the Conference than in the reserves.

"Chris Porter is a great talker as well. I'm not saying 'Stocky' hasn't done well but it got to a point where I thought he was due a rest. Porter deserved his chance and has come in and done fantastically well. He looks a great 'keeper and he is really happy to be playing.

"He knocked on the door three or four times when he was out of the team, asking when he was going to get a chance and there were times when he made it a difficult decision."

Darren Dunning's red card against Leigh RMI has forced Busby into changing the line-up, while Rob Constable should come back into the squad after his foot injury providing there is no reaction to an injury suffered a week ago in training.

Busby now hopes the solid defence will come up trumps against Aldershot.

Added the caretaker manager: "When we have had good sides here we have done particularly well against them whereas we haven't done so well against lower ones.

"The league position puts us under a bit of pressure but we know that if we can get three points we will be in a much much healthier position."

Sunday's squads:

York City from: Porter, Davies, Groves, Maloney, Staley, Merris, Webster, Yalcin, Donovan, Bishop, Nogan, Stockdale, Paul Robinson, Law, Grant, Constable, Paul D Robinson.

Porter.

Aldershot from: Bull, Mustafa, Antwi, Warburton, Barnard, Crittenden, Watson, McAuley, Challinor, McLean, Sills, Giles, Smith, Glasspool, Warner, Jinadu.

Referee: Dave Richardson (West Yorkshire).

Kick-off: 2pm.

Updated: 10:09 Saturday, February 05, 2005