YORK City will travel to last season's Conference play-off finalists Aldershot on the opening day of the new campaign.

The fixture could also mean a reunion with former Minstermen defender Ray Warburton, who starred for the Shots last season.

The Hampshire club have turned professional after narrowly missing out on a return to the Football League and should provide a stern test for Chris Brass' new-look team.

Following a possible meeting with Warburton, City could also tackle former fans' favourite Paul Barnes when Tamworth visit York for the first home game of the season three days later on a Tuesday night.

North Yorkshire neighbours Scarborough will host City on Boxing Day with the return fixture due to take place at Bootham Crescent just six days later on Bootham Crescent.

Halifax, the only other Yorkshire-based team in the Conference, will travel to York for a midweek fixture on December 7, while the Minstermen go to the Shay on Saturday, March 12.

City will end their campaign at newly-promoted Canvey Island on Saturday, April 30.

City finance director Terry Doyle said: "As last season, with the agreement of other clubs we will be looking to move one or two fictures to Sunday."

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, June 24, 2004