CONCENTRATED endeavour holds the key to an upswing in York City's fortunes, according to pass-master Steve Agnew.

This time last year, the City playmaker was on the verge of linking up with tonight's opponents, Carlisle United, until the move fell through at the last minute.

Now an integral part of City manager Terry Dolan's plans, Agnew admits York, without a point after their two opening League games, need to bring something home from Brunton Park tonight to give their so far sorry season lift-off.

"The longer it goes without a victory or a point then we are chasing what we would consider to be a good position - the top six of the table," Agnew told the Evening Press.

"It is important we get back on track tonight and hopefully do that by winning the game.

"We need to come away with something."

Agnew believes a lack of concentration, particularly in the second-half of matches, has led to City's downfall against Chesterfield, Cheltenham and Stoke City.

Significantly, of the 11 goals conceded so far nine have been scored after the turnaround.

"The concentration levels when we get into the second-half have just got to be higher," said Agnew, who has been one of City's better performers.

"That was proved against Stoke in midweek.

"We got back to 2-1 but then the third one went in and everyone feels a little bit despondent, the concentration drops and we drop as a unit."

And the former Barnsley, Blackburn, Leicester and Sunderland midfielder reasoned: "We tend to chase a game then, and that is when 2-1 has become 4-1 or 5-1.

"That has been the most disappointing thing because when you are losing 2-1 there is still time to get back into the game and come away with a draw at least."

Despite their horrid start to the season, Agnew insists York have the talent and a well-balanced squad to do well this year.

"We have always had a decent spirit between the lads and keeping that spirit going has never been a problem.

"And we have certainly got enough ability but that is what makes it so frustrating for us and the supporters.

"It must be frustrating when we have done okay for half-a-game and have not backed it up in the second-half.

"Everybody has got high hopes and we still have, but we all know it is about 90 minutes."

Carlisle boss Ian Atkins is spoilt for choice as he prepares the Cumbrians for tonight's visit of the Minstermen.

The former Northampton Town and Chester City chief has a full squad from which to select for the first time with midfielder Richard Prokas available again after serving a three-match suspension.

Prokas is expected to be on the bench, although if Atkins decides to start with a 4-4-2 formation as opposed to his favoured 5-3-2 the youngster could be recalled to the starting line-up.

Central defender Jamie Squires, a summer acquisition from Dunfermline, will also be available and is expected to play after recovering from a knee injury that ruled him out of Tuesday's 2-0 Worthington Cup defeat at Grimsby Town.

Like City, Carlisle - one of the favourites for relegation from Division Three - have still to savour victory so far.

They lost their last League game 1-0 at Leyton Orient after drawing their opening fixture 2-2 at home to Halifax Town.

However, the Blues staged a dramatic fight-back to snatch a point after finding themselves 2-0 down with only 15 minutes to go against the Shaymen.

And hopes are still high at Brunton Park that Atkin's new-look side - expecting to feature up to nine of the ten fresh faces brought in over the summer tonight - will make a better fist of this year's campaign than in recent seasons.