TWO of York City's lost boys appear to have found a new home at Conference North neighbours Harrogate Town.

Midfielders Leigh Wood and Christian Fox have both been making a good impression at Wetherby Road during pre-season.

Wood has already put pen to paper and Town boss John Reed is hopeful that Fox will decide to join him.

He said: "We have signed Leigh Wood who has been very impressive in pre-season and we are also hoping that Christian Fox will come to us. He played really well in the friendly against Knaresborough and he will be in the team for the John Smith's Trophy (against Harrogate Railway) tomorrow."

Fox is also being trailed by Halifax Town, who have also asked him to turn out for them tomorrow in their friendly against Garforth alongside another of City's old boys who failed to escape the relegation-induced axe, defender Chris Smith, who has been on trial at Notts County.

Reed is also itching to sign 25-year-old striker Gary Williams, who has been training with Town throughout pre-season and looked so good in the friendly against Scunthorpe United that the Iron took him on trial.

But, after failing to hit the mark in United's last match against Brigg Town, he has returned to Harrogate, and Reed is confident a signature is imminent. Williams has a wealth of experience having played for Burnley and Chester City among others, and also fired in 24 goals in 24 appearances for Accrington Stanley.

His addition would be a huge boost for Town's Conference North opener against Barrow next Saturday, after the news that Marc Smith may have to miss the start of the season after picking up an ankle injury.

Harrogate Town wrap up their pre-season campaign with the visit of Railway in the John Smith's Trophy (3pm) and it is bound to be a hotly-contested affair with local pride very much at stake.

Player-assistant manager Ian Blackstone, the former York City hero, will be revving Railway up, said Reed.

"I will imagine their tempo will be a lot higher than some of our players.

"But it's basically a simple case that they will be told a bad performance could cost them a place against Barrow next Saturday.

"If they show the same desire and work ethic as they did at Knaresborough this week, I am sure we will come away with a third successive trophy victory."

Goole will face their biggest pre-season challenge tomorrow when they travel south to Conference North team Worksop Town.

Manager Paul Marshall will use the game as a chance to get a look at a number of trialists yet to resolve a deal, while also testing the mix of youth and experience in the side.

"It's going to be our biggest test to date," he said. "After three excellent results in pre-season, including a 3-3 draw against a strong Ossett Albion team, we are going in full of confidence."

Confirmed additions to the Goole ranks include former Hull City junior goalkeeper Mark Cockin, who is just 18 but has already made a lasting impression.

He is one of a host of under-20s who have played during pre-season.

Marshall added: "They are full of energy and are technically gifted with the right attitude. It's just a case of getting the right mix with the more experienced players like Jimmy Gore and Steve Davey."

Scarborough visit coastal neighbours Whitby Town tomorrow in their final warm-up match before their Conference opener at home to Woking.

Updated: 11:19 Friday, August 06, 2004