The cost of devotion to York City is being raised for the first time in three years.

The Division Two club have announced that "on the day" admission prices for games at Bootham Crescent next season will be increased by 50 pence. Ground admittance for adults is up to £8 from £7.50, with a transfer to the Popular Stand a further £1, while prices for the Main Stand and Enclosure are up from £10.50 to £11.

Club secretary Keith Usher said the "small increase" follows two seasons of static entry prices and was due to the demands of inflation.

Meanwhile, the cost of season tickets is also on the up. A 1998/9 season ticket for the Main Stand and Enclosure has increased by £9.50, or £8.50 if purchased before July 14, with similar increases in prices for the Popular Stand and Ground.

Usher added that the club had changed their policy regarding 'junior' fans, increasing the upper age limit for junior reductions from under-16 to under-18. The secretary said the change was a reflection of the growing number of youngsters who stay in the student ranks until the age of 18.

He pointed out that fans buying season tickets before July 14 will receive the equivalent of six matches free if they attend all the club's home games.

Anyone interested in buying a season ticket - last year their were 700 season ticket holders - can spread their payments, paying 40 per cent of the total before June 19, 30 per cent by July 19 and the final 30 per cent by August 5.

Season ticket holders are guaranteed their ticket for all cup matches, although the cost is not included in the initial price. Season tickets entitle holders entry to all Pontin's League home games free of charge.

York City reserves went down 1-0 to Burnley at Turf Moor last night in their final Pontin's division two game of the season. Marco Gabbiadini missed a penalty as a vastly experienced Burnley team clinched the championship in front of a 1,500 crowd.

Meanwhile, promotion hopefuls Scarborough are freezing admission prices at the McCain Stadium for the 1998/9 season.

The Seasiders, who entertain Torquay United in the Division Three play-offs on Sunday, revealed their admission and season ticket prices would remain the same - whether they are in Division Two or Three.

Admission to the ground for adults will remain at £8, £4 for OAPs and concessions, with a £2.50 charge for transfer to the main stand. Away supporters will still be charged £10.50 for adults and £6.50 concessions.

Details of season ticket prices are available from the club office on 01723 375094.

Bootham Crescent prices

Match day admission prices

Main Stand and Enclosure:

adult £11, over-65 £7, junior (under-18) £7; Popular Stand: adult £9, over-65 £6, junior (under-18) £6;

Ground:

adult £8, over-65 £5, junior (under-18) £5, Popular Stand transfer £1; Family Stand (maximum of three children): adult £8.50, child £5. Season ticket prices

Before July 14

Main Stand and Enclosure: adult £187, over-65 £119, junior (under-18) £119;

Popular Stand: adult £153, over-65 £102, junior (under-18) £102;

Ground: adult £136, over-65 £85, junior (under-18) £85;

Family Stand (maximum of three children): one adult and one child £229.50, £144.50 each adult, £85 each child (under-16).

After July 14

Main Stand and Enclosure: adult £209, over-65 £133, junior (under-18) £133;

Popular Stand: adult £171, over-65 £114, junior (under-18) £114;

Ground: adult £152, over-65 £95, junior (under-18) £95.

Juniors born after September 1, 1980 and people aged 65 and over must produce documentary evidence when applying for concession season tickets.Payment can be made by Visa, Switch or Mastercard.Existing season ticket holders will receive a letter from the club detailing the charges and methods of payment.

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