Mills hoping to extend City’s proud away record

So far, the Minstermen have met two clubs sitting top of the division ahead of kick-off and another, Exeter City, who went into last Saturday’s clash at St James’ Park in second place.

On all three occasions, City emerged with a positive result after holding Morecambe and Exeter to draws while ending Oxford United’s 100 per cent start to the campaign with a 3-1 triumph.

Tonight’s trip to Burton Albion, who after last night’s round of games are sitting in mid-table, does not represent taking on one of the early pace-setters.

But as the Brewers are fresh from thumping Oxford 4-0 last Saturday, City are nevertheless in for a tough test. Not that Gary Mills is unduly concerned.

The City manager said: “It is amazing how we keep getting teams in form as our next opponents. But we keep going there and showing what we are capable of. In a funny way, we were disappointed to only get a point on Saturday – which shows how far we have come.”

Saturday’s draw at Exeter means York have lost just once – at Newport County in March – since Christmas on the road. Avoid defeat tonight and that run will stand at just one loss in 20 outings, a record Mills is rightly proud of.

He said: “I have been pleased with how we have done away from home. I think the way we set up helps, certainly against teams who come out and try to play against us.

“At Bootham Crescent, teams tend to sit back a bit more but when we are away from home then the opposition tend to want to win the game.

“We have been good at exploiting that.”

York have had a full squad training this week after Scott Kerr, who has been out since March, returned along with Chris Doig and Oli Johnson. The trio will not be available tonight with Kerr targeting a possible first-team outing early next month with the derby clash against Bradford City, where he started his career, an obvious target.

Jonathan Smith is in the squad to face Burton after being omitted as part of a tactical reshuffle.

Last six games: Burton Albion LWLDWW, York City DWWWDD.

Referee: F Graham (Essex).

Last time: Burton Albion 2 York City 1; December 26, 2008; Conference.