Exeter v York City: Wilcox to rotate squad as Minstermen set out on their travels in expectation

The Minstermen’s chief has selected the same starting XI in all but one of his side’s four league and cup outings this term.

Even that was forced with Luke Summerfield missing the midweek victory over Yeovil Town through injury.

Now, though, with York’s overnight trip to St James’ Park coming in at almost 600 miles and another 566-mile trek to Swansea in store on Tuesday for the club’s first appearance in the League Cup second round in 18 years, Wilcox may have to rotate his squad for the first time this term.

“Making a few changes is something we will have to look at,” said Wilcox. “At the moment, my focus is solely on Exeter. We can have a look at Swansea afterwards.

“But, with all the travelling we are going to be doing in the next few days, it could be asking a lot to play two testing games.”

York travelled down to the south-west yesterday morning and trained shortly after arrival. The alternative was to train in York and then set off but Wilcox says this has, in the past, often led to the team coach getting stuck in traffic on the way.

Wilcox added: “With the best will in the world, we are not going to win the Cup so it is only right we prioritise the league.

“We had a good win in midweek (against Yeovil) and want to build on that. We probably didn’t play as well against Yeovil as the previous Saturday (when Hartlepool triumphed 2-1 at Bootham Crescent) but the big thing was getting that first home win. It took us until Boxing Day last year.”