YORK City boss Russ Wilcox was relieved to see Plymouth Argyle get knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend.

The Pilgrims are due to play at Bootham Crescent on Saturday, January 3 but that fixture would have been postponed had the Devon club progressed to the third round of English football's premier knockout competition.

A 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United ruled out that possibility, though, meaning City will avoid going 13 days without a match before their first game of 2015.

Having been knocked out by AFC Wimbledon last month, Wilcox's team have just had the weekend off, as it was set aside for second round Cup contests.

On his relief at avoiding the same scenario in three-and-a-half weeks' time, the City chief said: "It was important for the club from a financial point of view that we didn't lose the Plymouth game. It's a big game in our calendar, coming close to New Year's Day and, without it, we would have only had Accrington at home on Boxing Day over the Christmas holiday period.

"We also didn't want another free weekend like the one we have just had. It's OK to have one to freshen up but, if you have too many, it becomes a problem."

Wilcox took advantage of his team's enforced lay-off to run the rule over City's December 20 hosts Bury, who drew 1-1 at home to Luton in the Cup.

He was impressed by the Gigg Lane outfit, who currently sit ninth in the Sky Bet League Two standings, but was also given food for thought by Luton's success at switching to a new system to combat their opponents.

"Luton matched Bury's 3-5-2, as a lot of teams have been doing and Bury haven't won for five games," Wilcox explained. "I don't know whether we would look to do that because we haven't done all season, but I don't think Luton had either and they coped quite well, so it gives us something to think about.

"They both looked good sides and, in Daniel Nardiello and Ryan Lowe, Bury had substitutes that would get into most League Two teams. They have massive strength in depth, which allows them to make changes.

"They've got lots of attacking options and are a very offensive team. They have had good financial backing and should certainly be in that top seven."

Wilcox was also happy that honours ended even in that match, as it will give him the opportunity to make a second scouting trip.

"The draw was a good one for us because I can watch Bury again in the replay on the Tuesday before we play them," he reasoned.

City winger Anthony Straker, meanwhile, has returned to training following his groin injury.