MIDFIELD maestro Mitch Ward admits he needs no motivating for York City's FA Cup first round clash with Barnsley on Sunday.

The ex-Tykes skipper, still smarting at the manner of his exit from Oakwell in the summer, is relishing the chance to put one over on his former club.

"When the draw was first made I was really pleased to see it and it is always nice to play against your old club," he told the Evening Press.

"The way that I left will certainly make sure I'm up for the game.

"It was a strange situation. Hodgy (Glyn Hodges) was the manager at the time and I had sorted a contract out with him.

"I couldn't sign it at the time because of the club's off-field problems and administration.

"I couldn't wait around for ever but when the new manager came in (Gudjon Thordarson) he said he was interested in keeping me.

"But two weeks before the season was due to start nothing had happened so I had to make a decision and I decided to leave."

Ward, 32, insists, however, it is personal pride more than a sense of bitterness that has him gunning for his former club.

"I don't feel I have anything to prove. I had four years there and finished off as club captain," he said.

"It is just a personal thing and I want to do well and I want York City to do well."

The former Everton and Sheffield United schemer reckons City have every reason to be confident of causing an upset tomorrow, despite the fact Barnsley currently occupy second spot in Division Two.

"I'm sure we can give them a good game," he said.

"We are obviously underdogs. They have a stronger squad and are doing well in their league. But we are becoming a team that is difficult to beat. We have had four draws which has meant we have slipped behind in the league a little bit but we have nothing to lose and we can go out all guns blazing."

Ward has fond memories of the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals of the world's greatest domestic knock-out competition with Sheffield United in 1993.

"I've always done quite well in this competition and I just hope it continues on Sunday," he said.

Updated: 10:03 Saturday, November 08, 2003