YORK City's player coach Steve Davis cast his eye over Accrington Stanley during pre-season - and he knows his side face a tough clash at Bootham Cresent on Tuesday night.

The former Burnley defender - who almost came to the Interlink - watched the clash with Crewe and has identified Stanley's dangermen.

"Paul Mullin is a threat - he certainly was in the game I saw," said Davis.

"Lutel James is lively and Rory Prendergast wasn't playing but from what I heard he is very capable and is a good player.

"John Coleman has got his side well-organised and they are a strong side."

And the 35-year-old knows Paul Cook from his Clarets days.

"It will be nice to see Cookey and hopefully we can get one over on him."

Davis admitted he was close to signing for Stanley in the summer after he left Blackpool but chose York because of the coaching chance it offered him.

"I would have liked to have come to Accrington. I still live near here and the drive to York is a nightmare. And it is a good set-up.

"But Chris Brass offered me the chance to coach. I could look at other things, bring players in and help bring players on, do some scouting and take part in the coaching which is what swung it for me."

York had a horrendous run-in which led to their relegation from Division Three last season.

Their win over Tamworth a week ago was their first win in 21 games - their winless run extended back to January 10.

"We were all just glad to end that run. It has been hard for Chris but he has brought in his own players now and we know we need to put a good run together.

"The Conference hasn't surprised us at all. We all knew it would be tough and although there aren't some of the most glamorous of places to go to, I know plenty of the players who have dropped into the Conference and they are good players.

"I think anyone can beat anyone on their day - you only have to look at Accrington's result against Stevenage last week.

"It has been stop-start for us. Aldershot and Hereford beat us and I think they will both be up there challenging for promotion. We beat Tamworth in between and that was important - to get that victory."

York, after such a poor finish to last season, aren't tipped as one of the favourites for promotion and Davis says this could act in their favour.

"We would prefer to be low key and then hopefully just sneak up there. I saw Carlisle were 2-1 favourites and that just gives added pressure - pressure we don't want."

Meanwhile Stanley boss John Coleman is looking forward to the trip to York.

"I think a couple of years ago I would have snapped someone's hand off to think we would be playing York in a league match.

"It shows how far we have come. We are not really bothered about what kind of start they have had or how they have done, the main thing is to concentrate on ourselves and keep being successful.

"This is a big game but there are plenty more big games to come this season.

"They are a big, strong side and Steve Davis will have them organised at the back. There will be a decent crowd there and hopefully we will come away with the win."

  • LOWEIY'S Lucky Bus will travel to York are there are still places available. The coach leaves the Crown Pub at 5pm sharp. Seats cost £12 each. Contact 07775 704072 to book.

Organiser Steve Lowe has promised a lot smoother ride that the trip to Stevenage.

"Sorry to everyone who travelled to Stevenage for all that went wrong. It will NOT happen again," he said.

The away coach trips do usually run like clockwork and manager John Coleman and the players appreciate all the away support.