YORK City will travel to a Brackley Town team that have suffered a hat-trick of consecutive home losses after going more than a year without being defeated at St James Park before then.

Kevin Wilkin’s men had racked up 29 matches unbeaten at their Northamptonshire fortress, before going down to visiting trio Chorley (1-2), Bradford Park Avenue (0-1) and Alfreton (1-3) during the last fortnight.

Those results have seen Brackley pick up just three points from a possible 12, courtesy of Saturday’s 1-0 win at Southport and Wednesday’s Chorley defeat means they are now certain to finish third in the National League North table as they cannot catch league runners-up Harrogate Town or be overtaken by Kidderminster in fourth.

City, therefore, will be looking to capitalise on the game’s dead-rubber status for the hosts who, along with the play-offs, also have an FA Trophy final meeting with Bromley to look forward to at Wembley on Sunday, May 20.

Despite their recent indifferent spell on their own soil, though, the Saints have defeated champions Salford twice at home this term including a Trophy tie, managed the same feat against fifth-placed Stockport and also sent fellow play-off hopefuls Kidderminster packing in the league.

Brackley’s impressive campaign has been built on the foundation of the division’s best defensive record, with just 37 goals conceded and 25 clean sheets registered, including 17 in the league.

Former City defender Luke Graham, who turned 32 today, has played a key role in that rearguard effort.

But, at the other end of the pitch, Brackley have not been shabby either, with prolific forward Aaron Williams, signed on a season-long loan from League Two Newport County, having plundered 35 goals in all competitions.

The ex-Peterborough and Walsall marksman has also been ably supported by 17-goal midfielder James Armson.

Jack Byrne is the only played unavailable for the hosts this weekend due to injury.