YORK City manager Colin Walker believes Martyn Woolford's emergence as a front-line striker means he now has SEVEN centre-forwards at his disposal.

It is a roster that would even make the biggest of Premier League clubs blush but the Minstermen's firepower was illustrated in a thumping 4-1 FA Trophy second round replay win at Grays Athletic last night.

Woolford, who scored twice at Altrincham on Saturday after being converted into a second-half centre-forward, remained in the role from the start at the Recreation Ground.

He partnered Richard Brodie in attack and both players got on the scoresheet along with two-goal midfielder Nicky Wroe.

Woolford and Brodie have quickly forged a fine understanding up front and, with Onome Sodje and Paul Brayson both waiting in the wings, Craig Farrell currently injured and Chris Beardsley due to return from a successful loan spell at Kettering Town next week, along with Alex Rhodes from a similar stint at Bridlington, Walker is not short on attacking options.

Following last night's match, which secured a last 16 trip to either Alfreton Town or Farsley Celtic, the City chief said: "Martyn and Richard played really well up front. I think everybody knows now that Martyn can play up there and it probably means we have seven strikers on our books."

Walker was also delighted that Brodie marked his recall to the starting line-up with City's fourth goal from the penalty spot.

He added: "Nicky Wroe was upset that Richard did not let him take it for his hat-trick but I wasn't bothered who took it as long as it went in. It was also a fitting tribute to Richard's performance.

"He's never let York City down and, while he's still learning, that will be another lift for him."

Walker, pictured, felt that the display was probably the best during his 12-match unbeaten spell as manager.

He also believes the victory was the perfect way to prepare for Saturday's home match with Blue Square Premier table-toppers Aldershot.

He added: "It was a fantastic team effort and the only disappointment was letting one in but I don't want to nit-pick. Eight wins and four draws isn't bad and it's all down to the players.

"It's difficult to win 4-1 at Grays and now we are ready for a big game on Saturday."

A modest Walker also gave credit to his assistant Eric Winstanley for the 3-5-2 formation that has reversed the club's fortunes since the sacking of Billy McEwan.

He said: "It's an Eric Winstanley shape we play. It's a shape he mastered and I learned.

"It's one that got Barnsley in the Premier League and I've always had it with me."

The Minstermen's third round meeting at Alfreton or Farsley will be played on Saturday, February 2, meaning the league trip to high-flying Stevenage, originally scheduled for that date, will now need to be re-arranged.

City officials have also provisionally agreed with Northwich Victoria to bring their Setanta Shield clash forward seven days to next Tuesday.

Northwich beat Barrow 2-0 last night to secure an away trip to KitKat Crescent with City keen to play the game next week, rather than February 5, to ease potential fixture congestion problems.

Confirmation is expected later today.