BILLY McEwan is calling for a "big turnout" at tonight's KitKat Crescent clash between early Conference pace-setters York City and Dagenham and Redbridge.

The Minstermen could go top of the table with a victory if leaders Exeter City are beaten at Stevenage Borough.

But the visitors will also know that three points would see them leapfrog second-placed City after nine games of the new season.

McEwan's men are yet to be defeated at home this season but Dagenham are also unbeaten in their last eight away matches.

As a result of an encouraging start, the Minstermen's attendances have steadily increased from 2,276 in their first outing - a 0-0 draw with Crawley Town - to 2,634 during Saturday's 5-0 defeat of Altrincham.

When he first took charge, McEwan boldly signalled his intention to eventually fill KitKat Crescent and the City manager is hoping that a sizeable and vocal home crowd can provide his team with a crucial advantage this evening.

He said: "I'd like to see a big turnout and want to see our gates keep improving every game. As a player, I used to thrive on big crowds and the atmosphere they created.

"We have got to frighten teams who come here with the noise our fans make and create a fortress. I want to see the David Longhurst end rocking and rolling and eventually see both stands full with fans cheering on our young team.

"Our loyal 2,600 supporters have been fantastic and I will never forget them for that, as they have stayed loyal through difficult times, but I know there are plenty more staying at home and missing some good stuff. So my message to them would be 'Why not come down and support your local team?'

"Hopefully the 'New York' won't let them down because if you like a night out at the football we are a little Conference club who are attempting to play football in the right way."

McEwan believes that fifth-placed Dagenham will represent a big test for his young side, whose five victories this season have all come against sides currently in the bottom half of the Conference table.

City goalkeeper David Stockdale, meanwhile, is set to make his debut for Wakefield and Emley at home to Gateshead tonight after signing a loan deal with the UniBond League premier division side.

Wakefield also include former Minstermen midfielder Christian Fox in their ranks.

Updated: 10:02 Tuesday, September 20, 2005