Gary Mills using Wembley date as inspiration for York City to beat drop

Manager Gary Mills plans to harness the feelgood factor engendered by York City booking a trip to Wembley to get the club out of trouble in the National League.
York City manager Gary MillsYork City manager Gary Mills
York City manager Gary Mills

Fresh from overcoming leaders Lincoln City over two legs to reach the FA Trophy final, the Minstermen host bottom club Southport tonight with six points separating the club from safety.

York have been in the bottom four since November, but have lost just twice in 17 league and cup outings to suggest Mills’s men are capable of beating the drop.

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“It has been a lovely weekend for all of us at our club,” said Mills, whose side will meet Macclesfield Town at Wembley on May 21.

“We have got there, and when we go there we want to win it. But the most important thing, for me, is all the positivity that has come out of the Trophy.

“For me, when we won promotion based on what we did in the Trophy, particularly playing at Wembley the week before five years ago. I wanted to use it as a positive to get us going in the league.

“People have asked me since the weekend if I am putting the Trophy to bed now and concentrating on the league, but, no, we are going to use Wembley to give us the positivity and everything that comes with it. Why we got there, how we got there and go there on a positive.

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“I am going to use that as much as I can to get the points we need.”

York will be the county’s third finalist in as many years after North Ferriby United and FC Halifax Town both lifted the Trophy. The Shaymen did last year after already having gone down and if York are to avoid a similar fate then victory tonight over the Sandgrounders is surely a must.

“We are thriving on huge matches and big games, bring them on now,” added Mills. “It is a big game for our club and we have to go out there with the same belief, heart and desire to get the three points.”

North Ferriby host Tranmere Rovers tonight and manager Steve Housham is calling for a big improvement from Saturday’s 4-1 loss at home to Solihull Moors.

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“They owe it not only to themselves, but also to the fans,” said the Villagers’ chief, who is without the suspended Taron Hare.

Guiseley, seven points clear of the drop following a stunning upturn in form, travel to Gateshead.