NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Preview: York vs Bulls

The Bulls travel to the Kit Kat Crescent for their final Conference game of the season before the play-offs begin.

Pre-season this fixture was earmarked as a potential must-win and, with York getting away to a storming start, it looked like both sides would have something to play for. Instead, it's got that slightly deflated feel of a dress rehearsal of the real thing - York can't make the play-offs and the Bulls, already assured of a spot, are likely to use the match as a training exercise to determine the best side for the play-off assault.

York fans will be happier with their second season of Conference life. While the season has been dogged with financial problems and a revolving door on the dressing room, their small squad has performed admirably after last season's freefall threatened a second successive relegation at times. Only a spate of injuries to key players like midfielder Emmanuel Panther caused the loss of form that prevented them remaining in the title hunt and, if they can resolve their financial issues in the summer, a fully fledged title assault is likely next season.

The Bulls have stuttered their way to second place in the Conference in what has been a disappointing league this season. The promise of an opening day thrashing of Scarboro told more about the Yorkshire side than the Bulls own season with flashes of their previous brilliance largely drowned out by 'safe' football for most of the season. In fact, the Bulls have recorded 10 1-0 victories in the 41 matches so far - as many as the last two seasons combined.

Bulls fans will hope the side can continue their 100% record against York, and the defence will hope to keep another clean sheet against a side yet to score a Conference goal against the Bulls. Last season's 3-0 and 2-0 wins were followed up by a 1-0 win at Edgar Street in December thanks to an Adam Stansfield goal.