Experienced midfielder Nick Richardson will go from trial to test of mental strength tomorrow after netting a career lifeline from the Minstermen.

The 30-year-old former Halifax Town and Cardiff City playmaker is in line for a dramatic debut in the relegation-defying duel against Exeter.

York boss Terry Dolan snapped up Richardson on a 'short-term' contract after he impressed in two reserves outings this week, capped by the opening goal in last night's 3-3 draw at Darlington, where Martin Reed and James Turley also scored.

Richardson, who has racked up more than 400 League appearances in a 12-year career, will be pitched into contention tomorrow.

Said Dolan: "He is a good footballer with good, solid experience. With the injuries we have got we are not very strong in midfield."

Halifax-born Richardson has recently been released from Chester City, ironically the club last relegated from the basement division nine months ago.

As a newcomer is welcomed to City's cause, long-time fans' favourite Wayne Hall is poised for his first home start of 2001 and another landmark.

The veteran full-back played 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday in their 4-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town.

He was a notable absence from the second-string's draw, City chief Dolan admitting the 32-year-old is now in his thoughts for the clash with the Grecians.

With Graham Potter rated 'very doubtful' Dolan conceded Hall would be an 'obvious replacement' on the left of midfield.

An appearance would bring Hall level with former City home-grown star Gary Ford in the all-time Bootham Crescent appearance record.

Ford, whose City career stretched nine years from 1978 to 1987, made 435 appearances for the Minstermen.

Hall was dropped after last month's 2-0 defeat at Barnet and was then injured by ex-team mate Alan Pouton in a reserves' game against Grimsby.

Midfielder Lee Bullock is also in line for a recall after making his first appearance of the year as a substitute against Scunthorpe last week. Bullock played 25 minutes at Darlington.

Confirming that new striker Lee Nogan will make his debut alongside David McNiven, Dolan declared: "In each of the last four or five games we have had the opportunities to be comfortably in the lead and we have not taken them.

"A win would give everyone that bit more belief."

Updated: 13:31 Friday, February 16, 2001