AS the phantom of extinction hovers menacingly over York City they would love nothing better than a case of dja vu at Spotland tomorrow.

The Minstermen visit high-riding Rochdale on the back of a long winless run which has brought the spectre of relegation to the Nationwide Conference ever nearer.

But in similar circumstances last season City enjoyed a shock 1-0 win which triggered a massive upturn in fortunes.

Midfielder Nick Richardson, who started his first game for the Minstermen in that February fixture, is hoping for more of the same.

The 34-year-old veteran told the Evening Press: "I think last year we had actually just hit the bottom spot, but that victory helped turn the season around.

"The crucial thing was that we followed up the win with another point at Brighton, and from then on went on an unbeaten run which took a lot of pressure off."

City had taken one point from eight games prior to their trip to Spotland last year and the match immediately beforehand - a 3-0 home defeat by Exeter City which dumped City at the foot of the Football League - led to post-match protests from the fans.

However, they then shocked the promotion-chasing Dale and embarked on a nine-game unbeaten run which effectively ended relegation fears. This time City haven't won in six league games, and their previous match - a 3-1 home defeat by Cheltenham on Saturday - also culminated in supporter disharmony. Rochdale, meanwhile, are again going well.

Richardson said: "I would think it might be a similar game-plan to last year. We will try to keep it tight and try to do a similar job as we did at Mansfield a few weeks ago.

"Runs have to start somewhere. It's a case of getting that first result and trying to build on it.

"We've had a few false dawns this year where we've had one or two results but then went back to square one. It's an old saying but consistency is the key. It has evaded us this season and we need to get that into our game."

In another parallel to last season, City have coupled poor league form with excellent FA Cup wins. Indeed the aforementioned eight-match winless run last term came immediately after they enjoyed Cup glory with a third-round match at Premiership Leicester, albeit in defeat.

The Minstermen have again reached the third round - again with a second round defeat of Second Division Reading - but Richardson said the league was a different kettle of fish.

"It often happens that teams use the Cup as a bit of light relief and a bit of escapism from the position they're in in the League," said the former Cardiff, Halifax and Chester midfielder.

He said the pressure was therefore off the Minstermen in those games, but added: "There's going to be a certain amount of pressure anyway and professional players are paid to play under pressure. You also get it at the top of the table - it's a different kind of pressure but it's pressure all the same.

"We have to start to win and give ourselves that different kind of pressure."

A major boost to City's hopes of a second successive Rochdale triumph is the expected return of striker Lee Nogan to renew his powerful partnership with Michael Proctor.

Until the Welsh veteran suffered a calf strain last month the pair had equally shared 14 goals between them. Now City fans will be hoping the daring duo can re-start where they left off.

With Nogan's expected return Lee Bullock, who has excelled in a stand-in role up front, will return to central midfield from where Nick Richardson will move to the right in place of the suspended Richard Cooper.

Updated: 12:03 Friday, December 21, 2001