A BUMPER crowd of more than 7,000 is expected at Bootham Crescent on Boxing Day for the all-ticket Christmas derby match against rivals Hull City.

Tickets are going fast for the Nationwide Division Three tie and the full Hull allocation of 3,300 has already been snapped up.

Ticket prices start at £14 for adults and can be bought from the club by credit card on 624447 extension 1 or in person. The ticket office will be open Monday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 9am to 1pm and on Christmas Eve morning.

They will also be on sale at Sunday's match until 2pm and after the game.

Last season's festive tie on December 28 drew in a crowd of 7,856 to Bootham Crescent - the biggest of the season. More than 18,000 witnessed the return fixture. Both fixtures ended in a draw.

York will be wanting to peg back Hull, currently third in the Division Three table, in front of a large home crowd next Friday.

Updated: 11:00 Friday, December 19, 2003