A STRONG York City shadow squad take on Harrogate Railway Athletic tonight (kick-off 7pm) with the Minstermen's ranks swollen by the addition of another trialist.

Irish defender Brian Kelly, 21, spent a few days with City at the end of last season and has been invited back so the coaching staff can take another look.

He is also expected to take part in Friday night's match with Selby Town.

Despite manager Terry Dolan being away with the first team squad at Keele University it is understood he is keeping close tabs on those first team players left behind.

The only senior stars not at Keele and not featuring at Station View tonight are injured duo Scott Jordan and Chris Fairclough.

Dolan admitted the Minstermen face a massive test of their credentials if they are to progress to the second round of the Worthington Cup.

City have home advantage for the first leg of the first round tie with Stoke City. It will be staged at Bootham Crescent on August 22, kick-off 7.45pm.

After beating Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday, Stoke hammered Darlington 3-0 in the Isle of Man Steam Packet football tournament yesterday.

"It is an interesting tie and it will certainly be a big test for us," said Dolan, who was speaking to the Evening Press from Keele, the club's pre-season training camp.

The City chief revealed the clash had at least delighted Ken Walshaw, the man responsible for organising the club's stay in Staffordshire and vice-chairman of Newcastle Town, who City play tomorrow.

"He is a Stoke City season ticket holder," said Dolan "He couldn't believe it when he heard the draw."

The fitness experts from Ed Baranowski's New Life fitness team have joined York at Keele and put the players through a tough work-out yesterday.

"One or two have picked up the odd bump and bruise but it is nothing to worry about," said Dolan.

City's youth team cancelled last Friday's match against a touring American side due to injuries.

York City (at Harrogate Railway, kick-off 7pm) from: Collinson, Dawson, Reed, Kelly, Thompson, Skinner, J Williams, Alcide, Turley, M Williams, Wood, Darlow, Hampshire, Fielding, Gowen, Salvati, Emmerson.

dave.stanford@ycp.co.uk