Blood and thunder

Watched: Martin Garratt

Rising star Martin Garratt believes new-found club confidence can guide City through the minefield of relegation, starting with their six-point clash at basement club Macclesfield tomorrow.

And midfield maestro Garratt, who bagged his first ever League goal in the 2-2 draw with Stoke City to stretch York's unbeaten run to three games, is convinced City's renewed self-belief is down to one man - caretaker boss Neil Thompson.

"We will be positive tomorrow, we know we have played well in the last two games and everyone has played with confidence which is all credit to the gaffer," said Garratt, who has attracted the interest of Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers after a series of stylish displays in City colours.

"The players are more relaxed on the ball due to things we have been working on in training.

"We have worked on our shape a lot which has benefited the team and everyone feels more comfortable on the ball and knows exactly what their jobs are."

And if the going gets tough, Garratt is equally convinced the Minstermen will not be found wanting in the heat of battle.

"It is not going to be a pretty game, Macclesfield are struggling but we have got to go there and be positive and play like we have done other the last few games.

"The spirit is tremendous, I think that has shown in the last few games when we have come from behind and that has got to be put down to the gaffer again."

The clearing of fellow midfielder Alan Pouton to help in City's relegation dogfight after emerging from an FA hearing without a ban was also a massive boost, said Garratt.

It was feared Pouton would be banned from the Macclesfield match after picking up 11 bookings, but was hit with a £100 fine instead.

"We would have missed Pouts no doubt about that," said Garratt. "He is a valuable player to the side and can always get us a goal."

Thompson too admitted his relief at having Pouton available for the trip to Moss Rose for what he believes will be a war of attrition.

"We need all the players we can but Alan is important to us. He gives you that little bit extra, that little bit of spark which can win you the game.

"Saturday is not going to be pretty and it might be Pouts who can do it for us. It is a must win for us, as all our matches are now. It will be a battle and we have to win the battle first and then go on to win the game.

"It will be a blood and thunder end of season game when points are vital for both sides."

Meanwhile, the downpour that saw City's clash with Blackpool on Tuesday night postponed may have inadvertently given the Minstermen a big boost.

Macclesfield's defensive lynchpin Efe Sodje was expected to return to the Silkmen's ranks after serving a two match suspension.

But the rain put paid to their clash with Notts County in midweek, meaning Sodje, who has attracted the interest of moneybags Fulham this season, still has one match still to serve of his suspension.

With skipper and fellow central defender Steve Payne, who scored twice in Macclesfield's recent 2-0 win over Chesterfield, also out with knee ligament damage, Sammy McIlroy's team will be without the backbone of their side.

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