YORK City might be soaring high in this season's Conference table but right-back Darren Craddock has promised to stop flying into tackles.

Craddock has been suspended twice already this season - once for a red card and once for reaching five cautions.

The 21-year-old defender was also hauled off by manager Billy McEwan after 27 minutes of the home clash with Cambridge United last October following a particularly rash challenge.

But Craddock has avoided cautions in his last four games and, should he escape censure at Kidderminster on Saturday, will equal his longest run without a booking during his 26-match Minsterman career.

Speaking about his intended reformation, Craddock said: "I'm kind of holding back now because I don't want to be flying in any more.

"I've been treading a fine line and it's an issue Billy's working with me on.

"I think, coming to a new club, I was just trying to show the fans that I'm committed and passionate but the aggression probably spilled over a bit. There have been a few hasty challenges and I'm looking to cut back on that."

Craddock also realises that any further misdemeanours could cost him his place in the side on a long-term basis.

Following his latest one-match ban, Craddock spent three matches on the bench before he was handed a recall when fellow full-back Nathan Peat received his marching orders for brawling on the touchline against Woking.

About his return to the side, Craddock said: "I've enjoyed the whole season but it's not half as good when you aren't in the team. Anthony Lloyd has done brilliantly when he has come in this season and whoever has played at full back has done well so if you lose your place you know you will be struggling to get back in.

"It was disappointing to be out of the side but I understood the manager's decision not to bring me back.

"I also had confidence in my own ability to get my place back in the team if I was given the opportunity and now I'm looking to play as many games as I can, as well as I can and enjoy my football because that's why I came to York."

Craddock also clearly shares his manager's demand for high standards, admitting that City's 5-0 victory against Crawley in their last outing was slightly marred by the fact that goalkeeper Tom Evans was required to make several saves.

He said: "We gave them too many opportunities at the back and, at times, it was a bit scary but that's probably being a bit harsh because they were a decent team with a bit of pace.

"Going forward though we were pretty good and I would not like to defend against our strikers and midfield players at the moment. They are very fit and very quick and I'm glad I'm playing with them rather than against them.

"We are away again on Saturday and we have done well on our travels this season. Hopefully it can continue because playing away seems to suit us as we are a quick, counter-attacking team."