BOSS Brian Talbot was today trying to beef up his defence ahead of tomorrow's visit of York City to Nene Park and keep Rushden & Diamond's stuttering automatic promotion quest on track.

Talbot was hopeful of concluding a deal for Peterborough captain Andy Edwards today, which would see the vastly experienced central defender drafted straight into tomorrow's squad.

Talbot is already poised to ring the changes against City after seeing his side fail to win in their last four outings.

Jamaican international Onandi Lowe is expected to return to the starting line-up after serving a two-match ban while Duane Darby, a former protg of City boss Terry Dolan during his Hull reign, is also back in contention after six weeks out with a hamstring strain.

Dolan revealed today that he tried to sign Darby for the Minstermen a couple of seasons ago but the big front man opted to join Rushden, who had offered him better times.

Darby made a substitute appearance for Diamonds in their 2-1 defeat at Southend last Saturday and then came through 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek.

Former Lincoln striker Tony Battersby is likely to be relegated to the bench with 13 goal top-scorer Paul Hall, another Jamaican international, reverting to his more accustomed right-sided midfield role.

With Harrogate-born Stuart Gray, son of Leeds legend Eddie, nursing a hamstring strain home-grown youngster David Bell will switch from right to left midfield.

Diamonds have a game in hand on the Minstermen and remain in second-place but are now just six-points ahead of the Minstermen.

City will not only be looking to secure their first win against Rushden since they joined the Football League but Dolan's side will also be looking to score their first goal.

Updated: 11:47 Friday, February 28, 2003