Since losing to Sandal a month ago, York's place in North Two East has become increasingly critical and is now dependant on two of the three teams above them - Horden, Bridlington and Sandal - obtaining three points less than them in the last four games.

On Saturday York travel to Horden in what is a 'must win' game for both teams and a loss for either will spell almost certain relegation.

York make a number of changes to the team that battled so valiantly against Middlesbrough.

The experienced Mark Roberts returns to stand-off with Mike Ford moving to his more usual position of full-back.

Sean Bass plays in the centre alongside last week's full-back Johan Koekemoer, enabling Sam Arkle to move to the wing.

Paul 'Stan' Matthews, who has taken on the senior coaching role at Clifton Park, believes that his centres have a vital role to play in bringing York's speedy wingers and support players in to the action.

To counter Horden's forward-based game York have selected their two most experienced props, Dave Dorking and Nick Hare. The front row is completed by the return of skipper John Sharpe after injury.

The final returnee is Matt Halifax, who adds further bulk to the pack coming into the second row alongside Brad Macdonald.

Matthews, who has a welter of coaching experience with the likes of Leeds Tykes and Harrogate, said: "It is a game we have to win, there is no two ways about it."

He added that spirit in the camp was good.

"We have been playing more like a team of late. The hard work in training is paying off and there is more shape and direction to the side now."

He believed that winning set-piece possession would be a vital part of the game and believed that Sharp's throwing at the line-out could give his side the edge.

Updated: 08:27 Friday, February 27, 2004