YORK City boss Billy McEwan has appealed for fans to stay off the pitch at the end of Saturday's crucial Conference home clash with Oxford United.

The Minstermen need a point to secure a play-off place from the match but McEwan has asked supporters not to celebrate by encroaching on the playing surface.

Repairs will be carried out on KitKat Crescent's troubled pitch in the summer and McEwan is keen not to incur any further damage, as well as stressing that, should City be successful in their top-five bid, the ground will be needed for a further match.

The City boss has also pointed out that the players will perform a lap of honour at the end of the game, regardless of the result, and mingle with fans.

McEwan said: "It's important that our supporters keep off the pitch at the end of the game. We may be playing another game on it and we have to save the pitch anyway because it needs renovation work at the end of the season.

"It's also important to stay off the pitch from a safety point of view. People have been injured running on at other grounds and that can spoil things.

"The players will do a lap of honour and everybody can see them then. I hope our supporters can show some patience and understanding."

McEwan is also relishing playing in front of an expected 5,000 plus crowd.

The club's highest gate for a Conference match stands at 4,921 which was achieved at last season's 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Scarborough.

City's biggest attendance so far this season saw 3,588 supporters witness the 2-0 home win over neighbours Halifax on the Saturday before Christmas.

The Minstermen have not boasted a home crowd in excess of 5,000 since January 2004 when 6,969 turned up for Huddersfield Town's visit.

McEwan added: "Tickets are selling like hot cakes and I'm hoping we can get as many fans along as we possibly can. I'm hoping people who might not have seen us play all season will come along and cheer us on.

"We've got great fans and the more that come the better. It will spur us on in what is sure to be an eventful day in the history of York City Football Club."

City fans can now pay a £50 deposit, rather than the full amount, by May 18 to secure their 2007/2008 season ticket at this season's prices.

The offer will apply to existing season-ticket holders only with the balance then required by Friday, June 8.

On announcing rises in the cost of season-tickets yesterday, the Minstermen had originally given supporters the May deadline to take advantage of the old prices by paying in full.

But City officials have decided to offer the deposit option having considered the potential cost of additional play-off games and a possible trip to Wembley.

The deposits will not be refundable and, should the balance fail to be paid by June 8, supporters will then have to buy their season tickets at the new, increased price.

City's reserves prised a point from a goal-less draw at Hull City, but it was the pitch that was the winner in the Pontin's Holidays Insurance League division one East duel.

A bumpy surface was not conducive to classic football though there was enough chances at both ends for a 5-5 draw, said York reserve team coach Colin Walker.