Torquay make the long journey up to North Yorkshire this weekend, sitting at the foot of the National League table; and playing a team in that position is a feeling that York City will know well, having dropped points against two other teams when they have been at their lowest.

The same Minstermen side that saw Barnet off with an emphatic 5-0 win last week, were hoping to make use of good momentum at a below-standard Halifax Town, but it was their West Yorkshire rivals that disappointed a huge away following at The Shay, with a much-deserved victory.

Looking at the visitors, The Gulls have recorded just one win in nine, contrary to City's four wins in the same amount of games. Torquay aren't exactly known for their infamous scoring trend either, netting more than one goal only twice this season.

The latest occurrence of this came on Tuesday night, where United thought they might be in for a third win of the campaign. They led Maidenhead 2-1 at one point, but The Magpies were just too much for them, completing a five-goal thriller in the 95th minute. Interestingly enough, four of the five goals came in injury time in both halves.

  • Team News

York City

It's the same old story for seven weeks running now - full-backs Adam Crookes and Michael Duckworth are still out with injuries, and the continuation of their spells on the sidelines may be a problem for City.

A factor that increases the need of Duckworth, is a knock for fellow right-back Ryan Fallowfield, and not the first time either this season. However, it is possible that he will be involved on Saturday, though York are almost down to bare bones in the position.

Torquay United

The Gulls' aren't in a great position injury-wise, with defensive pair Dylan Crowe and Ross Marshall probably ruled out for the York game.

Moving on to the midfield department, Shaun Donnellan is looking doubtful, and so is ex-Minsterman Asa Hall, who was part of the FA Trophy winning squad.

Two Torquay players that are confirmed to miss the game are forward Corie Andrews and attacking midfielder Kieron Evans, who will both be sidelined for some time longer.

  • Likely Lineups

York City

Ross, Dyson, Kouogun, Sanders, Mafuta, Whittle, Hancox, Pybus, Kouhyar, John-Lewis, Hurst

Torquay United

Halstead, Wyatt, Tomlinson Moxey, Omar, Martin, McGavin, Smith, Lapslie, Goodwin, Jarvis

  • Key Players

Alex Hurst

Winger Hurst put on a show throughout pre-season, looking a bright spark on the left side, however he hadn't hit the heights he'd have wanted during the start of the National League campaign, that was until recent weeks.

Barnet away was quite the game for the 23-year-old, as he scored his first goal in maroon with a brilliant edge-of-box strike, and was key in many chances created by The Minstermen. His strength and crossing technique is a useful combination, plus manager John Askey knows the City number seven virtually inside out, having signed him previously at Port Vale.

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Will Goodwin

Despite Torquay being named as the second worst attacking side in the National League, on-loan striker from Stoke, Will Goodwin has managed to get on the scoresheet three times for The Gulls to date.

The 20-year-old's most crucial goal for his struggling side came in their most recent win at Southend, when he netted the to-be winner with a distance strike, largely helped by a deflection.

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  • Match Details

Where is the game being played?

York City's LNER Community Stadium will host this game. It's the most modern National League stadium, holds 8,500, and was opened in 2021. 

What time is kick-off?

The game kicks off at the regular time of 3pm.

How can I watch?

There is no way to stream the game - the only way to watch it is by purchasing a ticket. Live commentary will be provided on BBC Radio York and York Hospital Radio, with both clubs and Jorvik Radio tweeting out live updates throughout.

Highlights from this match-up, and every other National League game this week, will be available to watch on BT Sport as early as 10pm.

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