York V Barnet at Bootham Crescent : Match Preview

15 February 2013 14:01
York V Barnet - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Davids without trio

York will be without Jon Challinor for the visit of Barnet after the midfielder suffered a broken leg in midweek.

Challinor returned to the starting line-up in the Minstermen's goalless home draw with Gillingham on Tuesday night, but fractured his tibula in the 76th minute and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

The blow is softened somewhat by the return to contention of Chris Smith, who missed out against Gillingham due to an unspecified knock.

New loan signings John McGrath and Michael Rankine made their debuts in midfield and up front respectively on Tuesday night and manager Gary Mills is expected to keep them both in his side.

Strikers Alex Rodman and Jason Walker, plus midfielder Paddy McLaughlin are pushing for recalls, but defender Lanre Oyebanjo (fractured skull) is still out, while striker Michael Coulson is closing in on a return from a long-term knee injury.M

Barnet player-manager Edgar Davids will be without Andy Iro, Ibra Sekajja and Ricky Holmes for his side's trip to York.

Striker Holmes has been ruled out for the rest of the season following the reccurrence of a foot injury he suffered two seasons ago.

Meanwhile, Iro and Sekajja have returned to Stevenage and Crystal Palace respectively following the end of loan spells with the Bees.

New signing Craig Beattie, who joined the club last week, is now eligible to play for Davids' team and is expected to play some part.

Midfielder Curtis Weston featured for the last 10 minutes of Barnet's 0-0 draw with Port Vale last weekend on his return from illness and could be back in the starting line-up.

Davids will also be without goalkeeper Liam O'Brien who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Source: PA