PROLIFIC Conference marksman Anthony Elding is unlikely to face York City tonight after falling out with Stevenage Borough boss Graham Westley.

Barnet's Giuliano Grazioli and Michael Twiss, of Morecambe, were the only Conference strikers to better Elding's 22-goal tally in all competitions last season but the former Boston United front man has not played since Stevenage's 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Northampton on December 13.

Westley and Elding have been on a collision course since the 23-year-old striker had a transfer request refused in the summer.

Relations appeared to have improved between the pair as Elding managed nine goals from 21 matches for the Hertfordshire club but Westley lost his patience over Christmas when the powerful forward refused to travel to Cambridge United on Boxing Day, citing his grandfather's ill health as a reason.

In his programme notes for the return match on January 2, former Farnborough boss Westley fumed: "Stuff Elding. He has let us all down."

And the dispute could now lead to Elding leaving Broadhall Way, where he has averaged exactly a goal every other game, netting 50 times in 100 starts.

In Elding's absence, former Oxford United and Woking striker Jefferson Louis has grabbed his chance to impress, scoring twice in three matches after joining Stevenage on non-contract terms from Bristol Rovers.

The 6ft 2in striker is expected to continue up front for the visitors at KitKat Crescent tonight alongside former Scarborough striker Darryn Stamp with Jon Nurse, back from suspension, likely to return on the right wing.

Left-winger George Boyd has also been a regular supplier of goals this season and is Borough's joint top scorer with Elding while former Brentford and Bristol Rovers centre-back Rob Quinn is likely to bolster the defence after serving a one-match ban in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Altrincham.

Ron Henry is also available again after an enforced absence but is expected to warm the bench while former York City defender Matt Hocking is not expected to figure after limping out of the action in the second half at Altrincham.

Westley's men will go into tonight's home match, hoping to improve an away record that has seen them win just two Conference games on their travels this season at Crawley Town and Gravesend.

Seventh-placed Stevenage are almost unbeatable at home, having enjoyed nine victories and only tasted defeat once in 11 league fixtures, but their away form needs to improve if they are to fulfil their promotion ambitions.

Westley, though, is expecting a difficult game, saying: "It won't be easy as they have only been beaten once at home. Hotte and Bishop are really good lads and Donaldson is a danger."

Updated: 09:31 Tuesday, January 10, 2006