YORK City are hoping to soar into a second vista of lightning striking twice in a new twist to their FA Cup preparations.

The Minstermen have been training at the RAF Linton-on-Ouse base ahead of Saturday's visit of Second Division Reading for the FA Cup second round tie.

The wild blue yonder move for the men in red forms part of manager Terry Dolan's programme of providing a variation in routine leading up to the cup duel.

Last season City were packed off to several days at the seaside during their cup run, which ironically accounted for Reading at the corresponding stage, albeit in a replay at the Madejski Stadium.

The first-team squad were given a day-off today before returning to training at their Wigginton Road base tomorrow.

Saturday's opponents the Royals meanwhile, suffered a jarring setback to their cup build-up when they crashed 4-1 to Conference side Barnet in the LDV Vans Trophy southern section quarter-finals.

After an opening goal by the Bees Reading equalised through Darius Henderson, but they then conceded another goal on the half-hour mark before two home strikes in the final 11 minutes ended Reading's interest. To add to their woes marksman Henderson was sent off.

City's reserves today continue their Avon Insurance League programme with a trip to Stockport County.

Striker Alex Mathie is set to continue his bid to regain full-match fitness, in the game which kicks off at 7pm.

City reserves: from Howarth, Thompson, Wood, Basham, Stamp, Rhodes, Fox, O'Kane, Darlow, Mathie, Emmerson, Collinson, Davis, Ibbotson, Wise.

Updated: 10:37 Wednesday, December 05, 2001