ASSAULT AND BARRY: Barry Jones, centre, supports Richard Cresswell, left, Mark Tinkler, partially hidden, and Rodney Rowe on a City raid. Picture: Nigel Holland

By: Tony Kelly, Chief Sports Writer

Revived York City need to rid themselves of their 'blunder-achievement' if the season's climax is to bring a whiff of excitement.

The Minstermen have drawn heart from midweek exertions, which elevated them to within four points of the Second Division's last play-off place.

But on the eve of tomorrow's game at toiling Preston North End manager Alan Little has offered a more circumspect tone pointing to the team's inability, so far, to press home good results.

"We have to make the most of the situation we are in," said Little.

"We also had a good win at Brentford and then went to Wycombe, where the game passed us by.

"That's our failing. We have never capitalised on what we have set up. The message tomorrow is to get back to what we did at Bristol Rovers and then do it all again.

"If we are going to surge on then we have to put a run together. We cannot afford any more hiccups."

But he insisted there was no reason not to enter Preston's Deepdale den in a positive frame of mind, adding that City may be able to exploit the apprehension now affecting the Lilywhites since their steady decline towards the drop zone.

"It's a different environment again to the Bristol game. They were hopeful of the play-offs, but Preston are scrapping for their lives," said Little.

"It's important we apply ourselves. We have to win the right from the start to settle down, play our own game and get Preston back-pedalling. That will give us a chance to get something out of the game."

The side that won 2-1 over Bristol Rovers will be retained, provided the respective groin and stomach injuries of captain Tony Barras and winger Graeme Murty do not worsen.

The only change to the squad at the Memorial Ground is the addition of young central defender Martin Reed, who could come into contention as one of the substitutes.

Troubled times, meanwhile, are crowding in on Preston.

Since David Moyes replaced Gary Peters as manager in mid-January, Preston have notched only two wins, away to Bournemouth and then at home to Luton in successive games.

Alarmed that the club was considering selling star players such as top scorer Lee Ashcroft, subject of a recent £300,000 inquiry from nearby Wigan Athletic, and midfielder and captain Sean Gregan, the Preston Independent Supporters' Association pressure group has come out of mothballs.

Preston's need to recoup some cash is growing. Their last home game, the visit of Luton, realised an attendance below 7,000 at Deepdale for the first time in three years.

There will be a recall for ex-Sheffield Wednesday player Dean Barrick in defence with current left-back Ryan Kidd serving a one-match ban.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.