Fan thunder can help put the squeeze on the Tangerines of Blackpool at the third time of asking tonight.

Caretaker boss Neil Thompson heaped praise on the travelling faithful that spurred City on to glory at Macclesfield on Saturday, the morale boosting 2-1 win lifting the Minstermen two places and two points above the relegation zone.

Now Thompson is calling on the Red Army to raise the roof for the visit for tonight's Bootham Crescent encounter, the first of three final matches that will make or break City's season.

"The fans were absolutely terrific on Saturday," said Thompson. "They certainly made themselves heard and it was nice for us to repay them.

"The supporters are so important, they are important to every club, but certainly tomorrow when a big crowd will mean a good atmosphere to get us buzzing."

But in what could be a blow to City's hopes of extending their unbeaten run to five games, midfield maestro Scott Jordan was due to undergo a late fitness test today.Jordan, enjoying his best season in City colours having scored four goals in his last eight games, suffered a groin injury on Saturday and was replaced by Matthew Hocking with 15 minutes to go.

"But we will give him every chance of being fit," said Thompson, who revealed knocks picked up by Rodney Rowe and Martin Garratt at the weekend had cleared.

If Jordan is deemed fit to play, Thompson will be able to start with the same 11 for the fifth game running.

"That certainly hasn't happened for a while," admitted the City chief. "But it was a great win on Saturday against a team that are down there fighting for survival too.

"We were professional, organised, created chances and went about our business in the right manner to get what we deserved.

"The confidence is coming back and we are trying to do the right thing and I think the fans can see that.

"With just two weeks of the season left concentration and total commitment are what's needed to keep picking up the points."

Thompson, who has called on his side to win all their remaining three games to guarantee Division Two football next season, is also hoping it will a case of third time lucky and tonight's fixture goes ahead. A water-logged pitch saw last week's game postponed at the 11th hour, the same fate befalling the original game scheduled for last month.

Blackpool are sure to be champing at the bit, however, to finally banish any lingering relegation fears of their own.

Saturday's 2-1 home defeat against Bristol Rovers left them in danger - albeit remote - of being sucked into the relegation battle.

Manager Nigel Worthington was left seething after seeing his side throw away a second-half 1-0 lead courtesy of Brent Ormerod's seventh goal of the season.

And he has thrown down the gauntlet to his hit and miss side, currently lying in 14th place and just seven points clear of the drop zone, to "come up with some answers" tonight.

Blackpool will be without top-scorer Martin Aldridge, out with knee ligament damage, while former City favourite Steve Bushell is out for the rest of the season after breaking three bones in his foot.

Winger Junior Bent is a major doubt after twisting his knee against the Pirates, while former Leeds United defender-cum-midfielder Andy Couzens is definitely out with a groin strain.

In better news for the Seasiders, right back Marvin Bryan, who was set to sit out last Tuesday's match due to suspension, served his sentence on Saturday and will play tonight.

City reserves drew 0-0 at Sheffield United last night in Pontin's League division two.

The reserves finish off their season next Tuesday with the visit of Rotherham United to Bootham Crescent (7pm).

York City intermediates were held to a 1-1 draw by Lincoln City in their final Youth Alliance fixture of the season.

Michael Farley scored for City in the first-half with Lincoln snatching a share of the spoils with a goal just a minute from time.

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