Wing-back Graham Potter admits the defining moment of York City's season could come at Gay Meadow tomorrow.

The Minstermen take on Shrewsbury still licking their wounds after suffering their first defeat in ten games at the hands of Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

Potter admits City have to get back on track swiftly to ease the pressure as the run-in reaches a nail-biting climax.

For while victory would give City renewed optimism for their five remaining games defeat would have the Minstermen back on tenterhooks.

"A positive result last Saturday would have had us looking forward to what's left of the season instead of looking over our shoulder," conceded the former England Under-21 international.

"But we have had a decent run and so it is a matter of starting another one now.

"We have fallen off the bike and it is a case of getting back on as quickly as possible.

"A win on Saturday would see us overtake Shrewsbury in the table.

"All of a sudden the confidence will be there for the games coming up and we can push on and finish the season positively."

Despite the disappointment of last Saturday's reverse, Potter insisted the nine-match unbeaten run was still fresh in the memory of the Minstermen.

"We are going there with confidence because we still have had a decent run, Saturday apart," he said.

"We have gone to some difficult places recently - like Leyton Orient, Brighton and Cheltenham - and got something, and hopefully it will be the same again on Saturday and it will be fairly positive."

City's cause as the season is reaching its climax is being abetted a near injury free squad from which to select, said Potter.

"It is looking fairly good," he reasoned. "We have pretty much a full squad for the manger to pick from and that means you have got to be on your toes and playing well."

Certainly City manager Terry Dolan is spoilt for choice for tomorrow's trip to Gay Meadow.

Skipper Steve Agnew is available after serving a two-match suspension and is favourite to return in midfield while Mike Basham could get his first start since arriving from Barnet.

The central defender made a substitute appearance against the Pilgrims before completing 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday.

Right-wing-back Darren Edmondson will also be pressing for inclusion in the squad after also proving his recovery from a knee injury playing for the reserves.

Potter meanwhile admitted after a frustrating start to his Bootham Crescent career his own form was at last showing signs of an upward curve.

"I have enjoyed getting back into the side after the injury lay-off. Scoring the goal at Mansfield has helped my confidence and the crowd do seem to be a bit more with me now.

"That has helped because this season has been a bit of a grind for me personally, settling into everything and battling away.

"But while I'm pleased with the way things have gone the last few weeks it is more about getting the results than individual performances."

Updated: 09:23 Friday, April 06, 2001