FANS who follow both York City and York City Knights could yet see their favourites in action on the same day - if at least one new kick-off time can be agreed.

Supporters are set to miss out as the clubs have so far failed to resolve a fixture clash on Sunday, February 12.

The Evening Press believes City and the Knights have not spoken to each other about the situation - even though it is now nearly two months since the problem was first highlighted by the Press.

However, we understand the Minstermen are now going to ask their opponents Aldershot if they are prepared to kick-off earlier so that fans can get to both games.

Earlier this season, City arranged to play their Nationwide Conference home game against the Shots at 2pm that day. But the Knights will begin their 2006 campaign at home to National League One outfit Hull Kingston Rovers in a Northern Rail Cup fixture just an hour later.

When it became evident there was a clash, City said they were "committed to finding two dates for Sunday 'family' matches every season" and that this date was set long before the rugby fixtures were released.

The Knights said they did not want to miss out on a big home game to start their season, while opponents Hull KR have also asked for their opening games to be away from home as work is done to their Craven Park ground.

A number of readers have since contacted the Press to voice their frustration.

One, a season ticket holder at both City and the Knights, has his letter published on Page 42 of today's Press. He complains both he and his son have effectively forked out for tickets at both matches but, as it stands, are forced to miss one.

Other readers have said they would like to attend both matches but cannot - meaning one or the other of the two clubs miss out on much-needed finances.

City club secretary Nick Bassett said Aldershot were unable to agree to a change of date but that every effort was being made to avoid a clash.

"I have tried very hard in the past week or so to rearrange the game to avoid the clash," said Bassett.

"Aldershot have tried to be helpful but they have already made travel and accommodation arrangements and a change would cause the club significant expense.

"We are keen to avoid a fixture clash and I will continue to explore other opportunities to assist both sets of fans."

It is thought those "other opportunities" refer to changing one or both of the kick-off times.

Knights chief executive John Guildford, however, said one problem of putting their start time back an hour would mean extra floodlight costs, while operations manager Chris Clinton said: "We do everything we can to avoid a clash with both City and York Races but sometimes it can't be avoided for logistical reasons."

Sports comment

WITH a bit of give and take York City and York City Knights could resolve their fixture wrangle.

It is a pity the clubs did not tackle the issue earlier as there was an opportunity to make it a big sporting family day out by selling joint tickets.

First York could extend their free bus service to and from Huntington Stadium from Burton Stone Lane at the end of the City game.

Extra fans could counteract any extra Knights expenditure on floodlighting.

If the clubs are to share a stadium in harmony in the future this type of joint venture would certainly be worthwhile.

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, January 26, 2006