Hartlepool United v York City: We'll take it game by game still, insists Jackie McNamara

Stevenage and Newport County – third and fourth bottom, nine and 11 points respectively clear of the Minstermen – meet at Broadhall Way meaning that even if York’s trip to Victoria Park ends in defeat, Jackie McNamara’s men will not be mathematically down come 5pm.

Nevertheless, it is surely a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ that York’s return to non-League is confirmed after a wretched season.

For now, though, McNamara is adamant that the focus has to remain on ending the 11-game winless run. “It is game by game at the moment,” said the Scot. “There is no point looking at anyone else. We just have to win games.

“Hartlepool are on a good run and have pulled away to safety. They lost 1-0 the other night (against Notts County) but they are playing some okay stuff.

“It is a fixture we have to perform in and, hopefully, get the breaks.”

York’s dire season is underlined by the current winless run not being their worst after they went 15 without claiming three points during autumn.

With relegation looming, there have been precious few crumbs of comfort for the club’s loyal fans.

Performances of late, though, have been better, at least in attack where opposing teams have come under pressure.

McNamara may publicly be insisting that survival is still a possibility, but the attention of supporters has already turned to next season and what sort of team the Scot, who has been told his job is safe, will be able to put together.

The York manager hinted earlier this week his desire to keep hold of loanees Lewis Alessandra and Scot Bennett, but much will depend on who can be attracted to the fifth tier.