"Bucks host promotion-chasing Minstermen"

Match Date : January 23rd, 2021 3:00 pm
Competition : National League North
Ground : New Bucks Head
Kick Off : 15:00

Telford take on promotion hopefuls York City at the New Bucks Head this weekend.

The Minstermen were among the division’s preseason favourites, but a potential title tilt has been disrupted by a rash of postponements due to Covid outbreaks in the squad. Steve Watson’s side are currently 7th, 12 points behind leaders Gloucester City – but with five games in hand, York are well positioned for a crack at top spot.

And Watson’s side are no strangers to pole position. York sat on top of the table last March when the season was curtailed, but ended up in 2nd behind King’s Lynn Town once points per game was calculated. City then lost 2-0 to Altrincham in the playoff semi finals.

After the Minstermen suffered back-to-back relegations, a season and a half of mid-table struggle followed before Steve Watson’s arrival lifted the gloom. York have been much-improved since Watson’s appointment in January 2019, winning 36 and losing just nine of 61 league games under the former Newcastle United man’s tenure.

City have been particularly impressive defensively. York had the division’s second-best defence last season, while only Boston and Darlington have conceded fewer than the Minstermen this campaign. Meanwhile, former Buck Sean Newton is City’s top scorer in the league with six goals.

The Bucks are still looking for a first win of 2021 and have only picked up two points from the last 18 available. However, York’s recent form hasn’t been sparkling either; the Minstermen have won just one of their last five in all competitions. What’s more, only eight of City’s 22 points this campaign have come away from home.

The Bucks are yet to lose at home to York under Gavin Cowan’s tenure. The corresponding fixture ended 1-1 last season, with the Bucks winning 2-1 during the 2018/19. Cowan and the Telford faithful will want to see that run continue this weekend.

 

Live stream

Supporters are not currently allowed to attend North League North fixtures, but you can watch a live stream of the game on Telford United TV.