York City will welcome Conference champions Rushden & Diamonds into the Football League when the new Third Division season kicks-off on August 11.

Brian Talbot's side, captained by former City defender Ray Warburton, were confirmed as City's opponents at Bootham Crescent on the first day of the season.

With Rushden making their League debut, the match with City is bound to attract a huge amount of media interest and a sizeable crowd.

The following Saturday sees City face the long haul trip to Torquay United.

Devon holds happy memories for the Minstermen - it was at Plainmoor where City secured their Third Division status last season in bizarre fashion courtesy of injury time goal direct from a corner by Graham Potter.

To complete a hat-trick of tricky opening matches, City will then entertain play-off finalists Leyton Orient at Bootham Crescent on August 25.

Big spending rivals Hull City, Minstermen manager Terry Dolan's former club, visit Bootham Crescent on Boxing Day in another match sure to attract a bumper crowd.

City's first game of 2002 sees them in another 'derby' match when they travel to take on Halifax Town on New Year's day.

Because next year is World Cup year, next season's fixtures are scheduled to be completed earlier than usual.

City's final game of the season pits them at Scunthorpe United on April 20.

Updated: 12:35 Thursday, June 21, 2001