FORMER York City striker Barry Conlon will be hoping to continue his impressive goal-a-game record against his old club tomorrow afternoon.

Conlon, 25, has scored four times in four matches for Darlington against City since leaving Bootham Crescent in July 2001 and will have to be closely watched during the club's first-ever trip to the new Reynolds Arena.

His ratio against York compares favourably with a career record of one goal every four games and a City average of one in three.

He was on target in the Quakers' 1-1 draw at Bootham Crescent in September and bagged a brace just five months after leaving York during a 3-1 victory at old ground Feethams in December 2001.

In between, he was on the scoresheet again during a 2-1 home win in March and has only failed to score against City for Darlington on one occasion - a 1-0 away defeat in September 2002.

The 6ft 3in forward ended a nine-game goal drought against Scunthorpe last weekend but was then sent off for a head butt and faces a three-match suspension after tomorrow's game.

He is expected to lead the line alongside midfielder Neil Wainwright with Danny Mellanby still out because of a back injury.

City boss Chris Brass is aware of the former Manchester City, Plymouth, Southend and Colchester striker's threat, saying: "He's somebody you have to keep an eye on.

"He's a very good player. He gets sent off a few times but I think that just shows his commitment.

"He's a passionate player and always seems to want to put one over on York. I was not here while he was but, from what I've heard, there were one or two things that went on that have maybe given him an extra incentive against York.

"But that does not concern me. We have just got to make sure we keep him quiet because in the last few encounters he's come up with the goods."

First-choice 'keeper Andy Collett is still sidelined so Mike Price continues in goal as Darlo look to end a 12-match win-less run.

Updated: 12:04 Friday, December 05, 2003