THE biggest failing for York City this season has been the lack of wins prompted by a dearth of goals.

If City have been found wanting it's in finishing off teams against whom they have created a barrel-load of chances. But with a quirk of timing the Minstermen could find themselves now better equipped to address that goal-shy flaw than at any other time in the season.

Today's shooting duties at Preston North End were spearheaded by the pairing of Richard Cresswell, and Rodney Rowe, who had shaped the midweek win at Bristol Rovers.

That was the sixth different front two combination used in the last eight matches. There could be even more twists and turns up front in the run-in as injury doubts clear.

Besides the Rowe-Cresswell one-two supplemented by Jonathan Greening, Marco Gabbiadini could be back next week, Gary Bull is also available after family illness and Neil Tolson is closer to re-joining the fray after being out for almost half the campaign.What's that about perfect timing?TODAY'S the day when the experiment over stoppage-time was due to begin.

Referees throughout the Nationwide League were to signal fourth officials towards the end of each half as to how much stoppage-time was due to be played. The fourth official was then to hoist above his head the appropriate numbered substitute board to signify how much 'extra time' was to be played.

But in recent seasons there was always an 'unofficial' time check at Bootham Crescent. Back then a dedicated City supporter named Eric Thorpe used to haul down the club flag from the flag-pole precisely five minutes before the end of each match.

Whatever happened to that tradition, or indeed Mr Thorpe, or even the flag and its pole? Answers please to the diary, care of the Evening Press sportsdesk, 76-86 Walmgate, York.

A N American-style huddle failed to have the desired effect for City's Bristol Rovers' hosts. Before the kick-off to the game the assembled Pirates gathered into an 11-man huddle as part if their warm-up immediately before the kick-off.

It did not do them much good, Rovers crashing to defeat. And wasn't it rank bad manners to the match mascot? Nine-year-old Nick Walters cast a forlorn figure on the outside looking in as the Pirates' crew amassed in their exclusive circle. Shame.ONE-TIME York City manager John Ward took in the clash of two of his former clubs at the Memorial Ground.

It was more than a social call. The ex-York and former Bristol Rovers boss is now in charge of Bristol City, who today were entertaining the arch-foes Rovers at Ashton Gate. Ward confessed it was not a game to relish. "The atmosphere is not particularly pleasant. It's a game you want to play, win and then get away from it all and have a cup of tea."PRE-MATCH tunes around the Second Division are normally of the 'Theme from Rocky' type.

Chumbawamba's mantra about getting knocked down and getting back up again (yawn) is growing in popularity and indeed was heard at Bristol Rovers. But more bizarrely on the ears was the club's theme song of 'Goodnight Irene' performed by the late, and great, Sensational Alex Harvey Band.

AVID City fans George and Kath Rowe must be cursing former World Cup hero Alan Ball.

The ginger-haired ex-midfield powerhouse is back in his second spell in control of ailing First Division club Portsmouth. Since his arrival Ball has sparked a Pompey revival leading the club away from relegation waters.

And that has engendered the wrath of the Rowe family. George and Kath, who have taken in all City's home and away games for more than a decade, are irked because Portsmouth is the only ground among the 92 of the Premiership and Nationwide League that they have yet to visit. PREPARATIONS are gathering momentum for the kick-off to the testimonial year for star defender Andy McMillan.

The full-back, whose appearance record is edging close to 450 appearances for the Minstermen, opens his year with a sportsman's dinner at York Racecourse. Headed 'Warm up for the World Cup' the May 27 dinner will feature former England World Cup hero Alan Ball as the chief speaker.

Top comedian Mike King and former leading referee Neil Midgley, the MC, complete the three-pronged verbal attack.KEEN-EYED City fans have the chance to be put on the spot. Entries are now being taken for the annual penalty competition, which will be staged during half-time of City's next three home matches.

The 11s and under age group open the doughty dozen yards proceedings at home to Fulham a week today, followed by the 15s and under for the Blackpool match on March 28, and then an open age group (16 and above) for the visit of Bournemouth on April 11.

Entrants in the first two must be Junior Reds, while for the open category they must be City Reds or members of their local supporters' group. Entry forms from the club shop or Graham Kilby on 01904 430990 during office hours.CITY fans will soon be able to toast their favourites with a Scottish 'slainte bha'.

James Richardson, commercial assistant at the club shop, has agreed a deal with a Fort William whisky firm to provide bottles of the water of life bearing a specially designed York City label.

The whisky is a special reserve from the evocatively-named Dew of Ben Nevis. A display bottle will soon be on show in the club shop, where orders can be taken.FAMILY coaches are being run to games at Luton on April 4 and Wrexham on April 13. The Luton coach leaves Bootham Crescent at 9am at £12 for Junior Reds and parents, the one for Wales at 10am at £9. Both booked together cost £20. THERE will be a Travel Club coach to Luton on April 4 leaving at 10am at £14 for TC members (£16 non-members).

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