York City v Tranmere: Wilcox warns home form could be costly

The Minstermen have won just once at Bootham Crescent this season, against Accrington Stanley on Boxing Day.

Considering York have played 15 times at home in the league this term and also hosted Doncaster and AFC Wimbledon in the Cups, it is a paltry return.

Wilcox said: “Our performance at Luton Town was terrific. We went 2-0 up against a very good team and although we had to settle for a draw after being reduced to 10 men, it was a good point.

“I am sure our 150 supporters who went to Luton enjoyed the match, but it is time we started to give our home fans something to cheer.

“We have to address this home form. We know it will cost us if we don’t start to collect points.”

Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge came as a big blow, especially after a difficult January against many of the promotion challengers.

Today, though, York start afresh against a Tranmere Rovers side that sit two points and three places higher in the table.

“It is very, very tight down there,” said Wilcox, whose side in 23rd place are five points ahead of bottom club Hartlepool United and five points behind 16th-placed Portsmouth.

“Hartlepool have got themselves back in the race and we have 16 games left to get out of trouble. There are so many points to play for.”

Jake Hyde starts a three-game ban after being dismissed at Luton when York were 2-0 up. An appeal against his red card for violent conduct was rejected earlier this week.

Wilcox added: “Nine out of ten people who I asked about the incident thought our appeal would be successful. But it wasn’t, so we just get on with it.”