FOOTBALL fever is gripping York – and some might say it’s about time. York City’s Wembley trip is giving fans just the boost they need after a weary and sometimes nail-biting season during which relegation at times seemed a gloomy possibility.

Fortunately, City have secured their place in the Blue Square Premier league, banishing fears that the season might end in the worst possible way.

Now players and fans alike can concentrate on the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on May 9.

This showpiece match against Stevenage Borough will see City playing at the home of English football – just about the greatest ground there is.

What an exciting prospect for a side that has proved its worth as the season draws to an end, and is now being encouraged to cap that with a victory at Wembley.

Excitement mounts in York as the big day draws near. City will take more supporters to this match than attended the famous 1993 play-off under the old Twin Towers.

Sixteen years on, the Minstermen have already sold about 12,000 tickets, surpassing the estimated 10,000 who saw City gain promotion to the old second division in a penalty shoot-out victory over Crewe Alexandra in 1993.

City of York Council has pledged £10,000 to help schools run buses to the final, when City will be looking to secure their first success in a national cup competition.

What a fine idea this is – a super way for young fans to attend a match which, hopefully, they will be able to remember for ever, and for all the right reasons.

Newsagents in York are playing their part too, with The Press encouraging the shops to adorn themselves in red, white and blue in the run-up to the Wembley clash.

As the days tick away, this is the best opportunity in years for the people of York to get behind the football club that carries its name. And with luck, a Wembley boost will see York City achieve greater things next season.