York City boss Billy McEwan has signalled his intention to end the club's miserable recent record in cup competitions.

The Minstermen have lost their last eight knockout matches since an FA Cup home victory over Swansea City in November 2002.

McEwan's men have now been drawn away to the winners of tonight's replay between Gainsborough Trinity and Leigh RMI in the fourth qualifying round of this season's FA Cup and it is 13 matches since City last enjoyed an away cup victory - a 3-1 triumph at Reading in December 2000. Another plum draw pitched York's Conference rivals Scarborough away to Harrogate Town.

McEwan is determined to progress as far as possible and gives short shrift to the concept that cup competitions can serve as a damaging distraction.

He said: "I want to win every game - even testimonials. I don't want to approach any game half-cocked.

"If you don't go out to win then why play? We have got to look to get as far as we can in the FA Cup."

The City boss will watch tonight's replay between the two mid-table Conference North outfits at Gainsborough's Northolme ground but does not expect an easy contest whichever side progresses.

The City boss said: "They have probably won three or four games to get to this stage and it will be their Cup final. They will see York City as a big nut to crack with a very big reward on offer."

McEwan is disappointed that his team will not be bidding for a place in the first round proper at KitKat Crescent but added that he will be expecting a professional job whether they are on duty at Northolme or Leigh's Hilton Park.

He said: "We would have preferred a home draw but that's the luck of the draw. You have got to play them wherever you are drawn be it in your own back yard, Gainsborough, Leigh or Wembley."

McEwan also dismissed internet speculation linking him with a move for former Premiership striker Brian Deane, who is now plying his trade in Australia. He added: "I couldn't even afford his expenses."

FA Cup fourth qualifying round (northern section): Harrogate Town v Scarborough, Tamworth v Altrincham, Southport v Kidderminster Harriers, Cammell Laird or Hucknall Town v Burscough, Blyth Spartans v Chasetown or Cogenhoe United, Northwich Victoria v Barrow, Gainsborough Trinity or Leigh RMI v York City, Ossett Town v Leamington, Accrington Stanley v Worcester City, Hednesford Town v Vauxhall Motors, Halifax Town v Farsley Celtic, Burton Albion v Leek Town, Hereford United v Alfreton Town, Bromsgrove Rovers v Morecambe. Matches to be played on October 22.

York City reserves lost 4-2 at home to Darlington in a Pontin's Division One East game last night.

Bryan Stewart got both City's goals, while left-back Nathan Peat made his return from injury. Mark Hotte also played for an hour.

Updated: 09:58 Tuesday, October 11, 2005