THE FA Cup could provide just the spark York City need to ignite their season - and launch a promotion charge.

That's according to defensive lynchpin Mark Sertori who has had first-hand experience of the power of the world's most prestigious knockout competition.

He was in the Wrexham team which caused one of the biggest ever shocks when they knocked out mighty Arsenal at the third round stage in 1992.

The Welshmen were struggling in the old fourth division at the time while Arsenal were one of the biggest forces in the game.

And though Sertori will be on the other side of the coin tomorrow when City take on UniBond League underdogs Radcliffe Borough at Bury, he is well aware of what a good cup run can mean for any team.

"We were bottom of the league and they were division one champions," recalled Sertori of that memorable 2-1 victory over the Gunners.

"Winning that game turned our season around. We moved up the table then the following season we won promotion.

"If we can get through this stage and the next one, then anything can happen like Chesterfield proved a few seasons ago. If you get the rub of the green then who knows."

Last season the boot was on the other foot for Sertori - and City - as the Minstermen crashed out in the first round to Conference club Hereford.

The 1-0 defeat typified a dismal season and Sertori is determined that won't happen again. "We had chances to win that game (Hereford), although I don't think there's much difference between six or seven teams in the Conference compared to the third division. The gap's getting smaller all the time," he said.

"But this year we have something to prove to ourselves and the fans. The spirit's good at the moment and we're treating it as seriously as a League game."

Although confident City will get a result at Gigg Lane, Sertori knows Radcliffe will not make it easy. He explained: "It's the old banana skin. It's harder playing non-league teams than third or second division teams because they'll look at it as the biggest game of their season.

"They'll really be up for it. They've got nothing to lose. It will be a physical game, they'll come out for the first 20 minutes firing on all cylinders.

"They've got a lot of ex-professionals who knows what it's all about so we can't give them time to settle."

And while Radcliffe will be fired up for their 'cup final', Sertori stressed City would not be lacking in motivation either.

"It's the FA Cup. It has something about it. Everybody watches it and it has a lot of nostalgia to it. If you can't raise your game for the FA Cup it's time to pack in."

York City Diary - Page 46

Little suffers - Page 45

sport@ycp.co.ukTHE FA Cup could provide just the spark York City need to ignite their season - and launch a promotion charge.

That's according to defensive lynchpin Mark Sertori who has had first-hand experience of the power of the world's most prestigious knockout competition.

He was in the Wrexham team which caused one of the biggest ever shocks when they knocked out mighty Arsenal at the third round stage in 1992.

The Welshmen were struggling in the old fourth division at the time while Arsenal were one of the biggest forces in the game.

And though Sertori will be on the other side of the coin tomorrow when City take on UniBond League underdogs Radcliffe Borough at Bury, he is well aware of what a good cup run can mean for any team.

"We were bottom of the league and they were division one champions," recalled Sertori of that memorable 2-1 victory over the Gunners.

"Winning that game turned our season around. We moved up the table then the following season we won promotion.

"If we can get through this stage and the next one, then anything can happen like Chesterfield proved a few seasons ago. If you get the rub of the green then who knows."

Last season the boot was on the other foot for Sertori - and City - as the Minstermen crashed out in the first round to Conference club Hereford.

The 1-0 defeat typified a dismal season and Sertori is determined that won't happen again. "We had chances to win that game (Hereford), although I don't think there's much difference between six or seven teams in the Conference compared to the third division. The gap's getting smaller all the time," he said.

"But this year we have something to prove to ourselves and the fans. The spirit's good at the moment and we're treating it as seriously as a League game."

Although confident City will get a result at Gigg Lane, Sertori knows Radcliffe will not make it easy. He explained: "It's the old banana skin. It's harder playing non-league teams than third or second division teams because they'll look at it as the biggest game of their season.

"They'll really be up for it. They've got nothing to lose. It will be a physical game, they'll come out for the first 20 minutes firing on all cylinders.

"They've got a lot of ex-professionals who knows what it's all about so we can't give them time to settle."

And while Radcliffe will be fired up for their 'cup final', Sertori stressed City would not be lacking in motivation either.

"It's the FA Cup. It has something about it. Everybody watches it and it has a lot of nostalgia to it. If you can't raise your game for the FA Cup it's time to pack in."