Wilcox eyes home tie for York City in next round of JP Trophy

RUSS WILCOX admits that expectancy is high at York City ahead of Saturday morning’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy quarter-final area draw.
York City manager Russ Wilcox. Picture: Tony Johnson.York City manager Russ Wilcox. Picture: Tony Johnson.
York City manager Russ Wilcox. Picture: Tony Johnson.

The Minstermen impressively claimed the scalp of higher division Doncaster Rovers in a 2-0 win at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday night in their northern section second-round derby.

Wilcox’s side are one of just two League Two teams left in the northern half along with Morecambe and the York manager is eager to land another home tie after already disposing of League One sides Rovers and Bradford City in cup competitions this season.

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Wilcox said: “We have knocked two League One teams out of competitions now and there are some big sides left in now.

“There is a bit of excitement now waiting for the draw and I would like another home tie, but the most important thing was to get back to winning ways and bring a feelgood factor back into the club again.”

Wilcox admits he was delighted with his side’s performance with the victory being the Minstermen’s first in six matches and first at Bootham Crescent since August 18.

While the display was a consummate showing from a team perspective, Wilcox says that the two-goal display from the recalled Vadaine Oliver and the vibrant contribution of Anthony Straker was particularly heartening.

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He added: “It was great to see Vadaine come back firing after his ban. They were two really good goals.

“The first one was a great cross from Anthony, but Vadaine still had a lot of work to do to head it in.

“With the second one, he closed down well and got his rewards after lifting it over the keeper with composure and putting it into the net.”

On Straker, Wilcox added: “He was desperate to get an opportunity and he’s done really well. He worked really hard when we changed to 4-3-3 to put pressure on their centre halves.”

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Wilcox’s decision to also start with Michael Coulson, despite pledging to be mindful of his workload following his recent return from a troublesome groin injury, was also vindicated, with it very much being a case of needs must.

Wilcox said: “I’m not giving him a choice. We’ll be resting up and training him lightly and he can get his fitness back in games.

“I need my best players out there on the pitch to give us the best chance to win football matches.”