YORK City could name the same team for the third match running tomorrow for the first time this season.

The Minstermen prepare to welcome Swansea City to Bootham Crescent buoyed by a six-game unbeaten run in the league and a settled side.

Player-boss Chris Brass normally gives little away as to his starting line-up prior to kick-off but after last Saturday's 2-2 draw the City chief hinted he could name the same team yet again

"A level of consistency is what we want and the team can almost pick itself," said Brass.

"There is still competition for places but it is very pleasing that people are maintaining a consistent level of performance. The benefits have been shown with a six-match unbeaten run in the League and the players have to keep performing."

The only unforced change Brass may contemplate is handing on-loan Sheffield Wednesday striker Jon Shaw his first start since arriving at Bootham Crescent in place of Gary Browne.

Browne has played well in his two games for City up front but has still to score and Brass may be tempted to give Shaw his chance from the start.

Elsewhere, Mitch Ward has failed to shake off the thigh strain that has seen him miss City's last two outings and is ruled out again.

Striker Aron Wilford also picked up a knock in training in midweek and is a doubt, although he was expected to return to training today and could keep his place on the bench.

Looking at the Division Three table, Brass admitted now was the time of year when a definite gap between the top and bottom halves usually developed.

"Ten teams normally breakaway around Christmas and we just have to make sure we are in there and in striking distance.

"We had a great draw at Leyton Orient only to drop two places but the pleasing thing is we are five points ahead of the team behind us," said Brass.

City's youth team will be looking to pick up from where they left off when they return to action after a two-week break.

The City youngsters entertain Darlington in the Youth Alliance North East Conference (kick-off 11am) looking for only their second league win of the season.

Updated: 11:22 Friday, November 28, 2003