FORMER York City boss Neil Thompson says he has nothing to prove in tonight's North Riding FA Senior Cup final between Scarborough and the Minstermen.

Thompson, currently caretaker boss of the Seasiders, crosses swords with City for the first time since his dismissal in February but maintains tonight's McCain Stadium encounter is just another game as both clubs fine tune their squads.

"Obviously, there is going to be some interest because of my situation and it is a derby game," Thompson told the Evening Press.

"But it is just another game to get the players closer to the fitness levels that we want.

"Things didn't quite work out at York City for me but I enjoyed my time there.

"I didn't think we were that far away.

"We were just getting beaten by the odd goal, but that is football and you have got to dust yourself off and move on.

"I think I have learnt a lot but I will stand by the decisions I made at the time which were always in the best interests of the club. I enjoyed working with the players but we couldn't get results."

A jaded-looking Scarborough were beaten 3-0 by Sunderland last night at the McCain Stadium with the Black Cats' £1.6million Honduran international Milton Nunez setting up two first half goals for Neil Wainwright and scoring the third himself.

Thompson, 36, said he would be following City's progress over the coming campaign, believing they are set for "a good season".

"But my priority is getting this club going forward," he said. "It is a big task; everyone knows the club has got problems but I am hopeful they will soon be sorted and we can move forward.

"We know it is going to be a difficult season but I am hopeful my job will be made permanent. We have got the nucleus of a good squad but it is light and I don't want to put in too many youngsters all at once.

"We have had a heavy schedule so if I can get through tonight with everyone healthy I will be happy."

Boro start their season on August 19 but returned from three games in Ireland to play two matches in the Minster Carpets Cup competition last weekend before tackling Sunderland last night.

"We haven't been on the training ground pitch because of all the games we have had," said Thompson, who was made caretaker after the departure of Colin Addison.

A knee injury has ruled out former York City and Halifax Town striker Chris Tate from tonight's game.

With his attention focused on Saturday's opening League fixture with Chesterfield, City boss Terry Dolan is to name a side made up of reserves and youngsters.

Boro (from): Woods, Atkinson, Russell, Brunton, Ingram, Ellender, McNaughton, Rennison, Tremble, Grant, Williams, Windross, Stoker, Pounder, Gildea, Brodie, Morris, Betts, Faure, Chillingsworth

York City (possible): Howarth, Hocking, Hall, Keegan, Reed, Wood, Bullock, Alcide, Dawson, J Williams, M Williams, Skinner, Turley, Collinson. Kick-off: 7.30pm.