YORK City boss Martin Gray wants Jon Parkin to end the longest goal drought of his second spell at Bootham Crescent this weekend.

Parkin has failed to net in his last six outings, which is greater than any goal-less sequence since his return to the club in December 2016.

Having also missed two matches through suspension and been left out of the Tamworth game due to his problems playing on 3G pitches, the Minstermen have now completed nine games without their 25-goal leading marksman on the scoresheet.

During the last seven of those clashes, they have failed to hit the target more than once and mustered just five goals with Gray hoping the 37-year-old veteran can rediscover his prolific form with eight regular fixtures of the campaign left to play, starting with Southport’s visit to Bootham Crescent tomorrow.

“We’re looking for him to get back in among the goals, because it does take the pressure off when the goals go in and Jon can win you a game just with his quality in the box from a set-piece,” Gray explained. “I hope he gets a goal on Saturday and that gets him back on a run, because he’s been fantastic and I’m sure he’ll be frustrated himself until he gets that next one.”

Gray, meanwhile, is understood to be interested in making one new addition to his squad before next week’s transfer deadline but went on to point out: “They would have to come in and be a starter, because we’ve got enough players and I’m not looking for squad fillers.

“It’s hard to get people at this stage of the season, because clubs don’t let players out who are doing well so, if we are to do something, it would probably need to be somebody senior as well because they will need to handle the pressure, as that’s what it will be about from now on.”

Southport have surged up the standings in recent weeks following a run of five consecutive victories, with Gray declaring that he is relishing the challenge of a good test.

“They have brought in better players and seem to score three goals every game and keep clean sheets, so they are getting things right at both ends,” he said. “It will be a good game and we’re looking forward to it and I’d rather play somebody who is going to give you a good test than a North Ferriby.”

Gray also suggested that two former City players who he inherited from his predecessor Gary Mills, but moved out of the club, would have an added incentive to impress on their returns to Bootham Crescent.

Left-back Alex Whittle is in contention to make his second Southport debut, having arrived on loan from League Two Forest Green, whom he joined from the Minstermen in January.

Goalkeeper Jon Worsnop will also be in between the sticks, having been asked to fulfil a coaching position after Gray took over City’s managerial reigns, while Luke Simpson, Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Adam Bartlett all donned the gloves before the 35-year-old shot-stopper joined the Merseyside outfit in November.

“It’s always interesting playing against ex-players and they will want to prove a point,” Gray reasoned.

City have teamed up with York City Knights, meanwhile, to offer a reciprocal ticket offer for supporters of both clubs, involving fixtures at Bootham Crescent this month.

A week tomorrow, Knights will entertain Yorkshire rivals Keighley Cougars in a Betfred League One game with Minstermen season-ticket holders granted admission into the match for £5.

To take advantage of the offer, discount-price tickets can be obtained from the Ticket Office in the Club Shop between 9.30am and 4.30pm at Bootham Crescent next week on the presentation of a season-ticket booklet.

Knights’ fans can also watch City take on fellow play-off contenders Chorley in National League North for the same price by showing their season ticket at the turnstile on the day of the game (Saturday, March 31).

Both matches kick off at 3pm.