HALIFAX Town are expected to go west tonight in the search of goals against York City.

American striker Jake Sagare is on standby for his full debut after joining the Shaymen from Maine-based Portland Timbers.

Sagare, who had a brief spell at Grimsby Town last year, has had his move to Halifax funded by the club's Supporters' Trust.

The 23-year-old is expected to come into the side with Halifax down to the bare bones in attack.

Christian Lee, who has scored three times in his last four home appearances, has a calf strain while young striker Andy Farrell has a back problem.

On-loan veteran forward Dave Cameron is also ruled out after Chester refused to give permission for him to play tonight.

Halifax could also be forced to make changes at the back with former Boston defender Mark Monington struggling with an Achilles problem.

Adam Quinn is tipped to partner former Scarborough defender James Dudgeon in the centre of defence.

Tonight's squads: - LDV Vans Trophy first round at The Shay

York City (possible): Ovendale, Cooper, Wood, Smith, Hope, Merris, Brackstone, Dunning, Dove, Parkin, Nogan. Subs from: Porter, Downes, George, Wise, Ward, Wilford.

Halifax Town (possible): Cartwright, Hockenhull, Sandwith, Quinn, Mallon, Dudgeon, Bushell, Hudson, Elam, Killeen, Sagare. Subs from: Tozer, Midgley, Gedman, Hindley, Ingledaw.

Referee: Mark Cowburn (Lancs)

Kick off: 7.45pm

Match points:

The clubs have met twice before in this competition and the Shaymen won on both occasions at home.

In 1989/90 a first round match ended 1-1 with Ian Helliwell scoring for City, though Halifax won 7-6 on penalties.

In January 1999 Town won a second round encounter 4-2 with Marc Williams, later to play for City, scoring twice. Rodney Rowe and Neil Tolson were on the mark for City who lined up: Mimms, McMillan, Jones, Barras, Hall, Connelly (Garratt), Tinkler, Jordan, Himsworth (Tolson), Cresswell, Rowe.

City's last visit to the Shay was in February 2002 when a Third Division encounter ended 1-1.

Among the players to have represented both clubs are Barrie Tait, Mick Granger, Archie Taylor, David Pugh, Alan Whitehead, Mark Sertori, Kevin Hulme, Marc Williams, Rodney Rowe and Steve Bushell with Alan Little providing the managerial link.

In each of the last six seasons City have lost at the first attempt and last won a match in this competition in 1996/97. That season they knocked out Preston North End 1-0 at Bootham Crescent (Gary Himsworth the scorer) before losing 2-0 at home to Carlisle United.

Stats by David Batters

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, October 14, 2003