York V Torquay at Bootham Crescent : Match Preview

23 November 2012 12:31
York V Torquay - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Kerr back from ban

York midfielder Scott Kerr is expected to return to the starting line-up in the home game against Torquay following suspension.

Kerr, who recently came back from a long-term knee injury, missed last week's draw at Port Vale following his dismissal in the FA Cup replay defeat at AFC Wimbledon.

Manager Gary Mills will be without centre-half Clarke Carlisle, who joined Northampton on loan this week, so Chris Doig is expected to continue alongside Chris Smith at the heart of defence, with Lanre Oyebanjo operating at right-back.

Mills must decide whether to retain Jamie Reed and Alex Rodman up front after both strikers marked their return to the starting line-up by scoring in the draw at Port Vale.

Another forward, Oli Johnson, is still struggling with a stomach muscle strain, but Mills has no new injury or suspension problems as the Minstermen chase their first league win in five matches.

Torquay have been given a double injury boost ahead of the long trip with the news that Danny Stevens and Michael Poke are fit and able to travel.

Winger Stevens has not featured since the defeat to Barnet at the start of the month with an abdomen strain while goalkeeper Poke has sat out the last two games with a strained abductor muscle in his groin.

Skipper Lee Mansell will serve the first game of his three-match ban which means Brian Saah will take the captain's armband and manager Martin Ling has plenty of options when it comes to replacing Mansell.

"There are plenty of permutations," he said. "You've got Craig Easton, Damon Lathrope and Nathan Craig who can all play in the centre of midfield and we could also put Ryan Jarvis, Billy Bodin or Stevens in behind the front and play two deep-lying midfield players.

"I won't lose too much sleep over who will play in the centre of that midfield. Whatever combination we go for we can more than make up for Lee not being there."

Defender Angus MacDonald made the loan move from Reading this week and is available to feature against York as the Gulls look for their first win in November.

Source: PA