Out of exile Neil Tolson is poised to answer York City's 'finale warning'.

The striker, who has not started a City game for almost six months, will spearhead an attack charged with besting Bournemouth tomorrow and erasing all anxiety about dipping into the relegation doldrums.

One victory would effectively end all trepidation as a parallel scenario to last season starts to gnaw at the Minstermen.

Needing just one point for safety City suffered a hat-trick of successive losses taking them into a nervous penultimate game last term before scrambling clear.

City do not want a repeat. So with the attack yielding just one goal in the last three games, which have also netted a one-point total, the totemic Tolson is back.

In two substitute appearances Tolson has displayed a zest for the test. Even though he admitted feeling 'knac...worn out' after he come on to help retrieve a point in the draw with Blackpool at Bootham Crescent a fortnight ago, Tolson was eager to lend his talents to City's run-in.

"While I'm not match-fit I feel fitter and stronger than I have been for a long while. I'd love to give it a go in the final few matches," said the forward, whose second season, after 17 goals in his debut campaign for City, has been wrecked by injury.

Even though Tolson's most recent duty was as a stand-in goalkeeper for stricken Mark Samways in the reserves' midweek game, manager Alan Little is convinced it's Tolson time.

"His aerial power could be invaluable. Bournemouth are a small side and with the likes of Tolson and Mark Tinkler we should be able to exploit that," said Little.

Tolson will displace top scorer Rodney Rowe, who at best can hope for a spot on the bench.

Determined to end the jitters Little added: "This is the first time this season that we have looked back to the bottom, but we can skirt clear of it if we can beat Bournemouth.

"We need that one win and then we can relax. The quicker we get it the better all around. The players are aware of what's needed and the spirit among the group is good.

"Nobody needs to be a superstar tomorrow. We don't even have to play well provided we get the result we want."

City's chances of posting the requisite victory will be enhanced with the expected return of captain Tony Barras. Providing he shows no late reaction to the groin injury that has kept him out since the March 14 defeat at Preston Barras will come in for luckless rookie Graham Rennison.

Safe from relegation peril and up for the Auto Windscreens Shield final at Wembley in just over a week's time, Bournemouth's League form has stuttered. A goal-less draw at home to Wycombe was followed by a single-goal defeat in midweek at Wigan.

But Little insisted the Cherries were desperately unlucky to lose at Springfield Park and remain one of the division's better playing outfits. City Intermediates will attempt to ruffle the feathers of the Owls in a Northern Intermediate League visit to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (11am k-o).

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