MILESTONE man Gary Hobson reckons York City's defensive rocks are ready to roll to keep the Minstermen in seventh heaven.

With ninth-placed Southend United tomorrow's opponents at Roots Hall, Hobson admits City need to keep picking up points on their travels to stay on the coat-tails of the division's front-runners and keep daylight between them and mid-table.

"We have to try and keep in that top seven and then if we are still there at Christmas time then hopefully we can push on and start thinking about promotion," he explained.

"A win would be lovely, but a draw at Southend wouldn't be a bad result. We got a clean sheet last week at Exeter and defensively we are looking more solid.

"I'm going for more of the same and another clean sheet so at least we are guaranteed a draw then."

The former Hull City, Brighton and Chester defensive sentinel will make his 300th League appearance at Roots Hall.

The notable landmark comes in the midst of his longest run in the City first team. After his two previous seasons were decimated by injury - he had previously made just 27 League appearances for City - Hobson has so far featured in every game of this campaign.

The 30-year-old admitted he was glad to finally be repaying the faith shown in him by City.

Hobson told the Evening Press: "I thought I'd passed the 300 mark along time ago to be honest. Injuries obviously haven't helped in the past.

"But I've been fit for every game so far this season and I've played in every game.

"I'm pleased about that and I just want the run to last until the end of the season - although I don't want to speak too soon or tempt fate."

Hobson maintains the fact he is now enjoying a prolonged run in the first team can only help both him and the team.

In particular, familiarity was breeding containment in the City rearguard as Hobson, Chris Brass and Chris Smith develop a greater understanding.

"Of course, it's nice to be in such a run of games," he said.

"Before this season I don't think I've played more than seven games, that's been my longest run and I played with a knee injury then.

"You can never hit decent form until you have a decent run and so hopefully that will happen now.

"Defensively, we had a clean sheet last week and we looked quite solid.

"It's nice to play alongside someone like Brassy. He's dependable and not a lot gets past him. He is a good athlete, got good pace and is brave. It's quite reassuring to have someone like that next to you."

Joining Hobson in making a notable landmark tomorrow will be City goalkeeper Alan Fettis, who is making his 300th senior appearance in all competitions in English football.

Defender Tom Cowan returns to the squad after suspension.

Updated: 10:53 Friday, October 11, 2002