City players facing the biggest game of their lives.

Bold York City caretaker-chief Neil Thompson insisted his charges will be up to the Maine event.

City were pitched into the whirlpool of relegation last-day drama needing to get plunder from their final game of the season at play-off bound Manchester City.

Victory for fellow strugglers Wycombe over Wigan Athletic last night narrowed the Minstermen's focus to having to get a positive result from Maine Road otherwise they could end their six years in Division Two come 5pm on Saturday.

But Thompson was adamant City would respond to what he termed the 'biggest game of the season and the biggest game of some of his players' careers'.

If the York ranks fail to get a point in Manchester and both Wycombe and Oldham win City will be relegated.

Hosts Manchester City also need the security of a point to safeguard against the prospect of Gillingham overhauling them for fifth place and with it a crucial home tie in the second leg of the play-offs.

Caretaker-chief Thompson however has supreme confidence in his men to prove themselves City slickers.

Always expecting his charges' fate would go to the final day in front of a 33,000-plus capacity crowd, Thompson said: "It all boils down to Saturday now and we have got to be in the right frame of mind, be positive and get the right result.

"This is the biggest game of our season without any question, and it's the biggest game in some of our player's careers. They have got to be up for the task and I have never questioned their attitude, which has been terrific."

Added the City manager: "We have got to do a professional performance and I am sure we will do that."

It is understood City are not going to follow the 'protest' path taken by Northampton.

The Cobblers have contacted the Football League to complain that Stoke City fielded a weakened side against Oldham on Tuesday.

Oldham, who had a men sent off, beat the Potters 1-0 to move out of the relegation zone at the Cobblers' expense.

Stoke, the early leaders of Division Two, had seen their play-off hopes ended with a thumping 4-0 defeat at Gillingham. Potters' boss Brian Little, brother of former York manager Alan Little, made seven changes to his side for the clash with Oldham.

Northampton club secretary Norman Howells said: "Ourselves, Wycombe, and Lincoln have contacted the Football League over the composition of Stoke's team on Tuesday night which could have consequences for all three clubs.

"We await the Football League's comments."

Northampton are complaining that seven Stoke first-team regulars were omitted and replaced with fringe players who had 22 starts between them this season.

City meanwhile sign off their Pontin's League season tonight against Bradford City at Valley Parade, where the visitors will be seeking to confirm a finish in the top six.

A young side has been named, including 16-year-old centre-back John Fielding, with the likes of Wayne Hall, Craig Skinner and Neil Tolson eased out to be ready for Saturday's crucial conclusion to the Nationwide campaign.City reserves from Warrington, Fox, Fielding, Rennison, Marriott, Connelly, Bullock, Agnew, Mackay, Woods, Dibie. Subs to be announced.

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