York boss eager to avenge Wembley loss to U’s

The Minstermen, who triumphed 3-1 at Barnet last time out, are now seeking their first three points on home soil in the fourth tier since January 2004 this afternoon – to help make up for their 3-1 loss in their curtain-raiser against Wycombe a fortnight ago.

Mills said: “We were all a bit disappointed with the Wycombe game as we wanted to get a result with it being our first game back in the Football League.

“But we got punished with some good finishing. Last season, our home form wasn’t great and we’ve got to pick up on it. It’s not neccessarily something I’m highlighting as you can make it worse if you do, but we’ll get on with it and hope to put it right against Oxford.”

Mills admits the U’s, who beat York 3-1 in the Conference play-off final in May 2010, are the benchmark for his side to follow in their quest to re-establish themselves as a league force.

He added: “Chris Wilder has done a great job and has know had two or three seasons to see what it takes to get out of League Two.

“It’s our first year back in and he’ll know what I’m going through. It’s a good test for us, I watched them at Leeds on Tuesday and looked a good, solid and lively side.”

Mills’ hand has been bolstered by the capture of three signings at the opposite age of the age spectrum in teen defender and Tadcaster lad Charlie Taylor, who has joined on a month’s loan from Leeds and experienced duo Clarke Carlisle and Scott Dobie.

And the City boss, delighted with his transfer shopping this week, is confident all three will prove sound acquisitions.

Mills said: “I’ve watched Charlie a couple of times and he’s a footballer who is very comfortable on the ball. He now needs to get into a (regular) first-team environment. Neil Warnock thinks it’s right for him to be involved with us, not only on a match-day, but in the week.

“I’m sure he’ll come in and do well for us.”

On the signings of defender and PFA chairman Carlisle and centre-forward Dobie, he added: “With Chris Doig coming down with injury last Saturday, I felt I needed to go and get a bit of experience to fill that role and Clarke wanted to get back in somewhere. He’s a fit lad and has been there and worn the T-shirt and knows what it’s about. He’s trained with us and done very well.

“With Scott, we’ve just got to get him up to the right fitness level.”