RUSS WILCOX has urged the York City faithful to be the club's pivotal 12th man when they host Hartlepool in a crunch SkyBet League Two relegation clash on Saturday.

The Minstermen manager has hailed the support of fans since his arrival at the club last October but, with 2,000 of the Victoria Park clan set to descend on Bootham Crescent in a match which has been designated as all-ticket, he has urged as many as possible to attend and help his side take a giant step towards survival with a three point haul.

Some 2,600 tickets have been snapped up by York supporters so far - a figure which includes season ticket holders - and those wanting to go to the game have until Friday teatime to buy or they will miss out on the match.

Wilcox said every single Minsterman who turns up can make a huge difference.

"They showed that in the Cheltenham game," he said. "They are the 12th man. We feel we are getting closer to what we want to achieve and picking up three points on Saturday will put us very close to ensuring our Football League status.

"It gives you a huge boost knowing you have got the support and backing. Hartlepool are bringing 2,000 fans on Saturday and we have got to make sure we are more vocal than they are. We are at home. It is our game and we have got to make sure we are more noisy and more up for it than Hartlepool."

Wilcox added: "This is the most important one. It's the next one and everyone knows how the table is shaping up. Hartlepool are among that little group at the bottom end. Results over the Easter period have gone well but nothing has been achieved.

"That's the message I will be sending out to the players. We have to keep this run going right until the end of the season and focus on one game at a time. Hartlepool is the next one. It's huge. It's a six-pointer and everyone in the city has got to play their part."

John McGhee, York City's general manager, said: "We are delighted with how sales have been going so far but we still have tickets remaining in all three home sections of the ground for what promises to be a fantastic atmosphere.

"We are open from 9.30am until 5pm every day this week and will be extending our operating hours until 6pm on Thursday to provide supporters with a greater opportunity to purchase tickets over the phone or at the Ticket Office.

"Supporters are reminded that no tickets will be sold on the day of the game, either at the Ticket Office or on the turnstiles, so they need to secure their spot before 5pm on Friday. Meanwhile, we recommend fans who have tickets to collect from the Ticket Office to arrive early on Saturday as we expect to be busy in the build up to kick off."

Fans must purchase tickets either in person at the office or over the phone on 01904 559500.