New boys Craig Nelthorpe and Alex Lawless ruled out of York City’s pre-season opener against Leeds United (From York Press)

New boys Craig Nelthorpe and Alex Lawless ruled out of York City’s pre-season opener against Leeds United

11:06am Saturday 11th July 2009 in

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NEW boys Craig Nelthorpe and Alex Lawless are set to miss York City’s first pre-season friendly against Leeds United tomorrow.

David McGurk and Levi Mackin could also be absent for the 1pm Bootham Crescent kick off with all four nursing minor injuries.

Right-back Ben Purkiss, meanwhile, is unlikely to return from the World Student Games in time to face last season’s beaten League One play-off semi-finalists.

Adam Boyes will also play no part having concluded his move to Scunthorpe for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old striker has finally agreed personal terms on a three-year deal.

But home fans are expected to get a first glimpse of summer signings Andy Ferrell, Richard Pacquette, James Meredith, Michael Rankine and Neil Barrett in City shirts, while Foyle is also expecting to field “five or six” trialists as he looks to restrict each player to a maximum 45 minutes on the pitch.

Leeds, meanwhile, have named a 22-strong first-team squad for the fixture, with unfit trio Richard Naylor, Rui Marques and Tresor Kandol the only confirmed absentees.

It is expected that Fabian Delph and Jermaine Beckford, the subjects of strong transfer speculation, will both play a part.

About his plans for the match, Foyle said: “Four or five might not play because they have a bit of tightness in their muscles so we won’t risk them. Five or six trialists will also feature.

“I’m not worried about winning or losing the game. It’s all about 45 minutes of match practice and fitness for everybody – nothing else.

“The emphasis is on training and avoiding injury at the moment. We’re not looking at match play.

“That will come in from the North Ferriby game onwards when the business end of our pre-season kicks in.”

Foyle is also hoping a big crowd can provide an early boost for the club’s coffers.

Added the City boss: “Leeds United are bringing all their players because they are going on tour the day afterwards and, If we can get a crowd of 3,500, that would bring good money in.”

Following tomorrow’s match, City will entertain Bradford City next Saturday before travelling to North Ferriby on Tuesday, July 21.

Home games with Hartlepool (Friday, July 24) and Rotherham (Tuesday, July 28) are then next up before a trip to Halifax Town on Saturday, August 1 wraps up the pre-season programme.

Admission for tomorrow’s match is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Leeds have already sold 800 tickets but visiting supporters will be able to pay at the turnstiles as well.

Season tickets can be collected from the ticket office at any pre-season game or on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

York Minstermen’s supporters’ office, situated next to the club shop, will be open from 11am for tomorrow’s match.

Fans can enrol as new members, while merchandise, including the 1983/4 Champions And Centurions DVD, will be on sale. The supporters’ group are also looking for items to be donated as raffle prizes.