York City v Exeter City: Third successive home victory will provide lift for Minstermen

After a torrid campaign and a proverbial baptism of fire for manager Jackie McNamara, the Minstermen will be afforded a shaft of light in their battle against relegation from the Football League if they see off visiting Exeter City tonight.

Saturday’s win over Notts County saw York record back-to-back home victories for the first time since last April.

They have not achieved three consecutive triumphs at Bootham Crescent for 10 months, but doing so by winning tonight would move them out of the relegation positions for the first time in 2016.

York are likely to have to do without Danny Galbraith (groin), who is set to join Vadaine Oliver (hip) on the sidelines, and Luke Summerfield (thigh) is also doubtful.

Up front, York are once again expected to rely upon the diminutive pairing of Bradley Fewster and Kenny McEvoy, but after both impressed against Notts, McNamara is not concerned about a potential height issue and says they have other qualities to trouble teams.

He said: “Although young Brad isn’t the tallest and doesn’t have the biggest frame like Vadaine, if the service up to him is good he will hold the ball up.

“He did that excellently against Notts County because his ball retention was more than 90 per cent, so if we can get players around him, we can cause teams problems.

“Kenny was also 84 per cent for retaining possession and that’s crucial to the way we want to play.”

Last six games: York LLDWLW, Exeter DWLWWL.

Referee: M Brown (East Yorkshire).

Last time: York 0 Exeter 0; February 28, 2015; League Two.