YORK can finally end nine years of hurt tomorrow when they entertain Hartlepool Rovers in the Yorkshire One/Durham and Northumberland One play-off.

Not since they were promoted to the heady heights of North One in 1993/4 have the Clifton Parkers tasted success in the league, and after two seasons flirting on the brink of the National Leagues, they dropped back down the standings.

However, that could all change tomorrow when they look to begin a new assault on North Two East via this play-off.

Having only missed out on the Yorkshire One title and automatic promotion spot to Bridlington - ironically the side they beat to clinch the title and promotion to North One back in 1994 - on points difference, Andy Gair's charges should fancy their chances of completing the job against Rovers.

Unfortunately, the date for the play-off has clashed with the club's tour to Germany, leaving Gair and his selectors with the bare bones of the squad.

Such is the extent of the loss of players that the club's chiefs were forced to hand Doncaster a walkover in the Yorkshire Cup in midweek rather than risk injuries to the remaining squad.

However, the selectors have been boosted by the news the majority of the first teamers have opted to forgo the tour, while talismanic player-coach Peter Curtis is flying back from work in Greece specifically for the game.

Gair told the Evening Press: "Fortunately most of the squad have decided to stay so we should be pretty much at full-strength.

"Peter Curtis is even flying back from a training holiday with the Army in Greece to play and then flying straight back after his bosses gave him permission."

Definitely missing will be veteran second-row, and a member of the last York squad to get promoted, Dave Spanton, although Brad MacDonald and Gareth Thomas will come into the squad, while Ben Quick and Rob Karma are both expected to be fit after a fortnight's rest.

York, mindful that the 'Monkey Hangers' from Rovers would be their play-off opponents, have done their homework ahead of tomorrow giving Gair reasons to be confident.

"We are as confident as we can be," said Gair. "We know all about them now and what they can and can't do.

"We have had them watched and know where their dangerous areas are as well as their weakness. They have a strong heavy front five and two powerful centres."

The game has come after a break from league action for the first team squad, but Gair believes this will only be a positive for his side.

"Although we haven't had any league games, we have had touring teams here and the Yorkshire Cup, so some of the lads have managed to get some game time in, while others have had the chance to rest," added Gair. "The way the grounds are at this time of years doesn't suit the front row brigade, so the break will have done them good.

"We will be as fresh and as well prepared as we can be."

Harrogate complete their Natio-nal Two season with a tasty derby against Wharfedale at Claro Road.

A bumper crowd is expected for always-entertaining clash between the two local rivals.

Pocklington Merovingians play Hull Vikings at Percy Road, while Selby have their annual Over-30s versus Under-30s game at Sandhill Lane.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, April 25, 2003