Playing under Friday night lights excites York chief

The Minstermen travel to Bristol Rovers for a fixture that has been brought forward due to a clash with tomorrow’s Cup tie between Bristol City and Dagenham & Redbridge.

As with cities such as Sheffield and Manchester, Bristol’s two clubs are not allowed to play on the same day for fear of trouble.

York manager Worthington said: “I love night games anyway, regardless of whether it is Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. I don’t see us having to play on the Friday as a problem.

“Training has been tailored towards Friday night all week and I always think night games have that little bit extra atmosphere. Throw in that this is a Cup tie, too, and I am expecting a good game.

“We have played Bristol Rovers already this season (York lost 3-2 in August). It was one of those games that could have gone either way. A draw would have probably been a fair result.”

The York squad travelled to Bristol yesterday and Worthington plans to put his players through a light training session this morning.

A Cup run would, as with every club in League One and Two, be a major boost to the Bootham Crescent coffers, especially if the Minstermen can battle through to the third round and draw a Premier League side – as they did in 2010 (Stoke) and 2011 (Bolton).

Worthington said: “It is a special competition and I just hope that we can get through.

“It is a tough draw away from home but if we can go there and put on a performance then we will give ourselves a chance of progressing.

“Doing well in the Cup can make a big difference financially to a club like ours.”

City will be without both Luke O’Neill and Ben Davies after their respective parent clubs – Burnley and Preston North End – refused permission for the pair to play at the Memorial Ground.

Better news for Worthington, though, is that loanees Ryan Brobbel (Middlesbrough) and Elliot Whitehouse (Sheffield United) are being allowed to face the Pirates.

Worthington said: “We will be without both Luke and Ben but I totally understand. Their clubs hope to progress in the Cup and want to keep as many options open as possible when it comes to selecting their own side.”

Last six games: Bristol Rovers LDLLDW; York City LLDLWD.

Referee: T Kettle (Rutland).

Last time: Bristol Rovers 3 York City 2; August 24, 2013; League Two.