Match Previews
Grays Athletic v York City
Third-placed York City travel south to face up to the challenge of lowly Grays Athletic this weekend.
Skipper Daniel Parslow is expected to continue at right-back despite the return of Ben Purkiss following a six-match absence with a chest problem.
That would allow on loan Mansfield Town defender Luke Graham to once again partner David McGurk in the middle of the back four.
“Tuesday night’s game was probably Dan’s worst for a while but he’s done great for us at right-back, especially away from home where you have to put your head on the line and defend," manager Martin Foyle told The Press.
“People forget how well he did against AFC Wimbledon and Rushden.
“Yes, he’s had an off day but so what? If you have more than one off day, though, then there are people waiting to take your place in this squad.
“Ben took a little while to get into the game against Hinckley so it was a good time to throw him in from that respect because it’s important he gets back up to speed," he continued.
“He gave the penalty away but then put the cross in for the third goal and our competition for places is getting better and better.”
Recently sidelined defender Djoumin Sangare also travels as a non-playing squad member after finally recovering from an abdominal injury.
“Jimmy trained yesterday but it wasn’t too hard as we stayed indoors," confirmed Foyle.
“He will come down with us today because I want him to train with us again as well as doing his own work.
“Hopefully, he can play in a practice match next week but he’s got a lot of catching up to do because he’s missed a lot of games with his two injuries.”
But former Grays striker Tyrone Berry won't be making the journey due to a sore hamstring and defender Alan O’Hare is also still unavailable.
Grays boss Julian Dicks put his entire squad on the transfer list after last weekend’s 3-1 FA Trophy defeat at Blue Square Premier South strugglers Worcester City.
He was also hoping to make three new signings prior to this weekend's clash.
Four-goal top scorer Jamie Slabber is close to a return after missing the past month with injury, while Paolo Vernazza and Ronnie Bull are both expected to be sidelined.