YORK City will travel to a Crawley Town team enjoying their best run of the season on Saturday.

The Sussex club's fortunes have been transformed by new manager John Hollins, who has masterminded a six-match unbeaten run.

Former Chelsea, Arsenal and England midfielder Hollins, who cut his managerial teeth at Stamford Bridge before spells in charge of QPR, Swansea, Rochdale and Stockport, lost his first game at the Broadfield Stadium helm.

That came against Gravesend and Northfleet just three days after his appointment at the end of November but Hollins' team has since been undefeated.

The run includes an FA Trophy victory over high-flying Stevenage Borough (2-0) and draws against other play-off hopefuls Halifax (2-2) and Woking twice (0-0, 2-2).

Prior to Hollins' arrival, the Red Devils had only managed to string three games together without losing and still lie just two points outside the Conference relegation zone in 18th place.

Crawley are expected to welcome back midfielder Danny Brown for the Minstermen's visit after he missed his team's 2-2 draw against Woking because of a one-match suspension.

Lee Blackburn is likely to make way but centre-back Dave Woozley will serve the second game of his three-match ban and midfielder Rob Kember remains sidelined with an ankle problem.

Former City trialist Danny Ekoku will not be facing Billy McEwan's men either as he is currently on loan at Conference South outfit Sutton United. Ekoku, who was released by Bradford City at the end of last season, has only made two league starts for Crawley after turning down a KitKat Crescent contract over the summer.

Experienced Conference campaigner Daryl Clare, who was prolific for Boston United and Chester City at non-League level, is Crawley's biggest goal threat.

Clare, now 27, has netted eight times from 17 starts for the Red Devils and is likely to be partnered by ex-Scarborough forward Steve Burton while right-winger Tony Scully is eligible after having his loan spell from Notts County extended.

Former Charlton Athletic striker Kim Grant, who scored against City for Gravesend earlier in the season, is expected to be on the bench.

Updated: 09:34 Friday, January 06, 2006