YORK City could enjoy a three-pronged boost tonight when the Minstermen reserves travel to Darlington for their Avon Insurance League division one encounter, kick-off 7pm.

City midfielder Christian Fox is expected to start his first match for more than seven months after successfully coming through bit-part roles in City reserves' last two outings.

A successful 90 minutes for Fox, who underwent major knee surgery in February, could possibly see him in contention for a first team recall at the weekend.

As revealed in the Evening Press yesterday, striker Alex Mathie, who has missed the start of the season with a hamstring problem, could also feature tonight.

The former Ipswich and Newcastle striker has now returned to full training and manager Terry Dolan has indicated Mathie could start on the bench.

Young central defender Chris Smith could also taste his first action since he suffered concussion in a city centre attack last month.

Dutchman Michael Evans is sure to be involved as he tries to increase his match fitness and further press his claims for a permanent contract.

Evans has signed a one-month deal after arriving from his native Holland, where he played second division football with VVV Venlo.

The 25-year-old front-man impressed when he came on as a substitute in Saturday's 4-0 derby defeat at Hull.

Updated: 09:08 Wednesday, September 12, 2001