York City v Plymouth: Wilcox looking for run to be extended

Back-to-back wins over Accrington Stanley and Carlisle United together with a battling 2-2 draw at Bury that preceded Christmas has given the county’s sole representative in the basement division renewed hope.

Four points now separate York from the Two relegation zone but Wilcox is adamant that the upturn in results over the festive season must only be the beginning for his players.

He said: “It was a positive way to end the year so everyone was pleased. From the players to the staff, the board and supporters – getting seven points from those final three games has given everyone a lift.

“But we can’t let up now. Our target is getting away from the bottom end of the table as quickly as possible. If that is with 15 or 10 games to go, great as then we can start to look elsewhere.

“At the moment, though, we want to get to 50 points as that is usually a number that guarantees a team’s safety. That is out target.”

York are back on home soil today, less than a fortnight after ending a 13-game winless run at Bootham Crescent by beating Accrington on Boxing Day.

In the process, Wilcox’s men avoided joining the 1981-82 side in setting a club record for games without a win on home soil.

The City chief added: “It was a big thing for us. No-one wanted the record so getting that win was a big relief. It may also have contributed to how we played at Carlisle two days later.

“That was the best performance since I came to the club, better than Morecambe away. And having the home run off their backs may well have helped the players.”