YORK City boss Billy McEwan has been overwhelmed by the gesture from fans and sponsors to provide his players with an overnight stay ahead of Saturday's crucial match at Southport, writes Dave Flett.

The City boss said: "The York fans never fail to surprise me with their loyalty, support and backing of the team. It's staggering and I'm thankful for their help in the preparation for this big, big match.

"I've always said that 50 per cent of our job is preparation and, although the stay will not guarantee a win, it will give us a nice night over there to relax and an extra hour or two in bed. It shows the team effort off the pitch and the fans are a big part of the success story at this club."

City's Conference play-off rivals Gravesend & Northfleet are hoping for a bumper crowd at tonight's home match with Northwich Victoria.

Fleet issued all supporters who attended Saturday's 4-0 defeat against Southport with a free ticket for this evening's game.

The Southport match attracted 1,432 - Fleet's biggest league attendance since Oxford's visit in November.

If Gravesend lose tonight's match their chances of catching fifth-placed City will be reduced to a mathematical miracle, meaning only Burton and Stevenage would be able to overhaul Billy McEwan's men going into the penultimate weekend of the season.