GRAHAM Potter and Darren Edmondson have given York City a timely boost, with news they are set to return the starting line-up for the visit of Macclesfield on Saturday.

City boss Terry Dolan had said he would not rush the duo back, but having watched his patched-up squad crash to a 4-1 defeat to Kidderminster and with Mike Basham (ankle) definitely out and doubt over Matt Hocking (thigh) and Mark Maley (viral infection), there may be little choice.

The defensive duo came through an hour unscathed for the Reserves in the 2-0 defeat by Doncaster on Wednesday, and barring any reactions to their injuries in training they will be back for Saturday.

"They both played for an hour and there were no problems," said Dolan. "If they now come through training then they will be included in the starting line-up for Saturday.

"It was a relief to see them back."

The return of Potter and Edmondson will give the much-needed experience to the City back four - something Dolan readily admitted has been missing.

And with Gary Hobson now finally showing a clean bill of health, there is an added steel about the defence.

Maley, who fell ill during the Kidderminster game, is beginning to recover from a virus and is hoping to play some part after agreeing to stay at Bootham Crescent for a further month.

There could also be a place on the bench for Alex Mathie. The one-time Celtic, Ipswich and Newcastle striker has missed the past fortnight after picking up a groin injury, but he looks to have now shaken this off.

Meanwhile, ex-Minstermen Paul Barnes and Andy Warrington played key roles as City Reserves lost 2-0 to their Doncaster counterparts.

Barnes, battling for match fitness, was inspirational as he and his strike partner Justin Jackson both netted.

But it took Warrington to ensure the result as he produced some outstanding saves to thwart the City attacks.

Updated: 11:56 Thursday, October 25, 2001