Get behind us!

Gary Calder

That is the rallying call from under pressure City boss Alan Little as his side face non-league minnows Enfield at Bootham Crescent for tonight's FA Cup first round replay.

After seeing a two-goal lead slip during the first capital cup clash earlier this month, Little is demanding his suffering side don't become a prestigious scalp for their Ryman League north London opponents.

And Little, desperate for his side to bounce back from their sixth league defeat in seven outings at the hands of Stoke City on Saturday, clearly believes the City faithful have a key role to play.

"The fans are very important to us and we need their help," said Little. "I do not feel there is a lot wrong with the club or the team at the moment but a bit of support and confidence would go a long way to helping lift the team."

With Wrexham awaiting tonight's victors in the next round, a lack of self-belief not ability is the problem for the misfiring Minstermen - a fact not lost on Little.

"The only difference between Stoke City and York City was confidence and little bit of luck in front of goal," he said.

"Obviously, the players have got to do it themselves but they are in need of a little bit of help and if we stick together then we will pull through.

"We are in desperate need of a win and if it comes tonight that will breed confidence for Saturday. We have got to go through and we have to feel that we will go through.

"As far as I am concerned, Enfield had their day and it is time to put the record straight."

Little's selection headache was only half-eased after late fitness tests on experienced duo Wayne Hall and skipper Steve Agnew today.

Hall, who only returned to senior duty on Saturday after a lengthy absence, suffered a recurrence of his hamstring troubles at the Britannia Stadium and is unfit. His place will likely go to Gary Himsworth.

Playmaker Agnew limped off the field with a groin strain. But immediate treatment and extensive attention yesterday has enabled Agnew to get the go-ahead for tonight's clash.

"It is a little bit of a worry because we could be down to just 15 fit out field players and two of them, Andrew Dawson and Graham Rennison, have not been used this season," said Little.

"They have a chance of being fit but we won't know until today and I will pick the side accordingly. If I am forced to make changes I will, but I think the less changes at the moment the better."

Meanwhile, midfielder Alan Pouton has shown little sign of recovery from a troublesome ankle injury while player coach Neil Thompson, blighted by an Achilles injury, was due to see a specialist today.

Transfer-listed defender Tony Barras has an outside chance of being fit for Saturday's visit of Northampton Town after picking up a hamstring strain in the first clash with Enfield.

York City: from Warrington, McMillan, Jones, Tinkler, Connelly, Jordan, Agnew, Garratt, Cresswell, Reed, Himsworth, Woods, Tolson, Prendergast, Dawson, Rennison, Mimms.

Enfield: from Pape, Naylor, Annon, Terry, G Cooper, Penn, Bentley, Jones, S Cooper, Dunwell, Richardson, Deadman, Protheroe, Morgan, Risley, Alleyne, Darlington, Dunwell, Clarke, Hall

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Referee: Peter Walton (Winwick).

Boss does his replay homework

Enfield manager Gary Calder is offering cold comfort as he plot's a banana skin for York City boss Alan Little.

Calder was laid up with 'flu for three days last week but climbed out of his sick bed to witness his side win 1-0 away at Oxford City in the second round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

"It was important we kept a clean sheet when it would be easy for concentration to waver when you are faced with league opposition in your next game," said Calder.

"Everyone at the club is looking forward to the match and I am sure we will receive a warm welcome from Alan Little and his merry men."

Calder revealed Enfield spies paid a visit to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

"They played really well by all accounts, especially in the second half," said Calder, who is bringing a full squad of 24 players to Bootham Crescent.

Wing back Courtenay Taylor, who suffered a back strain on Saturday, is likely to be fit but a cautious Calder refused to shed any light on his starting 11.

MATCH POINTS

City have figured in 12 replays against non-league opposition in the FA Cup, losing on two occasions. In 1981/2 they went down 4-3 at Altrincham in a second round replay, and at the same stage in 1986/7 Caernarfon Town became the first non-league club to win an FA Cup replay at Bootham Crescent. City's team that day was: Smallwood, Senior, Hood, Sbragia, McAughtrie, Pearce, Ford, Banton, (Butler), Walwyn, Mills, Canham. The score was 2-1 with Tony Canham netting a late consolation.

The record of replayed games is: 1950/1 first round (H) Bishop Auckland W 2-1. 1966/7 First Round (A) Morecambe D 1-1; Second Replay at Marine Road W 1-0. 1969/70 Second Round (H) Bangor City W 2-0. 1970/1 First Round (H) Tamworth W 5-0 (Paul Aimson hat trick). 1976/7 First Round (H) Dudley Town W 4-1. 1978/9 First Round (A) Blyth Spartans W 5-3. 1981/2 Second Round (A) Altrincham L 3-4. 1983/4 First Round (H) Macclesfield Town W 2-0. 1985/6 First Round (A) Morecambe W 2-0. 1986/7 Second Round (H) Caernarfon Town L 1-2. 1987/8 First Round (A) Burton Albion W 2-1.

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