Dolan's target

Three points would not only lift 20th-placed City above tomorrow's opponents, Leyton Orient, but could see York climb above both Alan Little's Southend United and Yorkshire rivals Halifax Town.

Should other results go their way, that would leave the Minstermen in 17th place - their highest position since the beginning of November.

Dolan insists there is still lots to play for and promised no last match let-up from his confident troops.

"Our first priority is to beat Leyton Orient which would put us above them but then if other results do go our way then it is certainly better finishing 17th than 20th.

"When you consider the run we have had we would have expected to move up more than a few places and I know what happens on Saturday will only be cosmetic. But the one thing the run has done is give everyone belief."

Out of the trip to London are the strike duo of Colin Alcide and John Williams, youth team player Chris Marshall and out of favour Paul Talbot.

Returning to tomorrow's squad will be wing-back Darren Edmondson and Mark Sertori who have both shaken off stomach bugs.

Defender Matt Hocking is also recalled to the squad as is Andrew Dawson while Dolan will use tomorrow's trip to Brisbane Road to give experience to another first team youth player.

After the instant impact of young winger Kieran Darlow in last week's 2-0 victory over Halifax, Dolan said he had no hesitation in adding 16-year-old Leigh Wood to the travelling contingent.

Wood, a York-born midfielder, is further proof of the club's highly acclaimed youth set up having joined City's centre of excellence at the age of 12. He was selected for England schoolboy trials at 14.

"It will be good experience for him to be involved with the first team squad particularly as it is an overnight trip," said Dolan, who watched Wood in action for the intermediates in their 1-0 defeat to Bury on Tuesday.

"He is a tidy footballer and this will give him a taste of things to come, hopefully."

Williams, who had a decisive role in both City goals last week, has been laid low by the bug that hit both Edmondson and Sertori.

The City boss revealed Chris Fairclough is to undergo a minor operation next Wednesday to clean out the knee that ruled that has hindered his return to full fitness since damaging ligaments at Christmas.

But an operation on Colin Alcide's troublesome back has been ruled out by a specialist who has instead ordered the former Hull striker to rest over the summer.

Transfer-listed winger Craig Skinner has been hit by a bout of tonsilitis while Christian Fox (stomach strain) and Barry Jones (damaged ribs) were already ruled out of tomorrow's Brisbane Road clash.

In better news on the injury, Kevin Hulme has had the niggling anchor stitch, left over from his hernia operation of last year, successfully removed while Lee Bullock has also had the pot removed from his injured ankle.

l Orient manager Tommy Taylor is expected to give youth its fling tomorrow.

The O's boss has indicated two from the teenage quintet of midfielders Nicky Shorey, Rob Carter, John Martin, Brendan McElholme and striker Aaron McClean will make their full senior debuts against the Minstermen.

One teenager ruled out is centre-back Simon Downer who has an ankle injury.