YORK City chief Terry Dolan is waiting to see what reception awaits his side when they entertain Shrewsbury tomorrow.

Since the announcement that the club was up for sale, City's last two matches has been postponed due to frozen pitches - meaning fans have not been able to vent their opinions.

But the Minstermen will be hoping to play at the third time of asking this festive period against Shrewsbury.

Dolan said: "It will be interesting to see what the atmosphere is like as it will be the first chance we've had to play since the announcement. I'm hoping it will be positive."

Having seen the preparations for the clashes against Rochdale and Hull City go to waste, Dolan believes his players are straining at the leash.

"There is nothing worse than preparing for a game only for it to be called off at the last moment," he said. "You can handle it if it is a couple of days before, but it is so frustrating when it is at 11.45am as has happened the last two occasions.

"The players now are just itching to get out there and play. Hopefully they can get off to a good start and get the crowd behind them early on."

With City's rivals at the foot of the table taking advantage of their postponed games, the Minstermen have now slipped down to third from bottom in the basement, although they do have games in hand.

City also have the small matter of avenging the 3-2 defeat from August 28, when, despite goals from Lee Bullock and John Fielding, Shrewsbury still nicked the points.

Richard Cooper will again be ruled out with a one-match suspension, which should have been served first in the Rochdale game, and then the Boxing Day visit of Hull.

Striker Peter Duffield did not train yesterday due to a virus, and the former Darlington hit-man has been ruled out of contention for the visit of the Shrews.

Updated: 12:12 Friday, December 28, 2001