SHOULD York City shackle former Oxford United and Cambridge United midfielder Paul Wanless tomorrow at Forest Green, then the home side's early-season form suggests that Billy McEwan's men will have a great chance of victory.

Four-goal Wanless, 31, is the only player to have scored for the Gloucestershire club since the opening game of the season when Scott Rendell netted in a 1-0 victory over Cambridge United.

Rendell, however, is likely to be on the bench for tomorrow's clash so Wanless, whose haul also includes two penalties, would appear to present Rovers' only genuine goal threat.

Gary Owers' men will, however, be able to call on new signing Zema Abbey who, as recently as last season, was on Norwich City's books and dreaming of leading the Canaries' Premiership attack.

Abbey is likely to partner youngster Lewis Haldane up front as Rovers' forwards bid to end their goal drought.

Midfielder Matt Gadsby will be unavailable for Green because of a hairline fracture to his toe and striker Ian Foster - a summer signing from Kidderminster Harriers - is also still sidelined after knee surgery.

Left-back Damon Searle, however, is expected to be fit despite missing training with a heel injury, but Abdou Sall is likely to stay on the bench after failing to win back his defensive place following a red card on his debut against Cambridge.

Rovers lost their last outing 2-1 at home to leaders Grays after conceding a goal in the final minute but most fans regarded the performance as the club's best during its seven-year membership of the Conference.

The Lawn outfit are also desperate to avoid a repeat performance of last season when they only avoided relegation because of Northwich Victoria's demotion as they will kick off 2006/2007 in a new stadium that is currently under construction.

Such a move would be a financial nightmare if the club were plying their trade in front of Conference South crowds.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, September 09, 2005