York City squad players to get a chance to impress at Pickering Town

With less than a week to go until the National League North season starts, Watson has said he will be resting the majority of players from the Notts County game.

Goalscorer Macaulay Langstaff is likely to be one of the exceptions, his second-half outing on Saturday his first appearance since coming on as a half-time substitute against Leeds United.

Alongside the 22-year-old striker, Watson is keen to give minutes to weekend substitutes, youngsters and players still under examination.

Watson has insisted he still wants a competitive performance from the squad players and is hoping to add to York's five pre-season wins at Mill Lane (7.30pm).

He said: "I don't think, now that we've got work into everyone, you'll see many of that team playing Tuesday.

"We'll be sending a good side to Pickering but that was probably the last workout for the lads you saw on the pitch (on Saturday).

"Maybe take away the subs - you'll see them on Tuesday, and you'll see a couple of lads we're having a look at.

"You'll probably see Macaulay because that was his first 45 since the first game of pre-season.

"It's going to be a good game because there's people we still need to make decisions on and we'll have some young lads who will get a chance at 90 minutes against a very good team so it will still be a huge game for the club.

"We're all one big squad and one club and I want to see them win the game, express themselves and win six in a row.

"That's the message we're sending out to the team, to try and win the game and they have all got good chances to stake a claim - if not to play, it's to be on the bench and part of the squad.

"It's a big goal for the young lads because they have done great pre-season. This will be a good game for them."

Pickering - who ply their trade in the Northern Premier League north/west division - are the lowest-ranked side City will face before the 2019/20 season-opener at Altrincham on Saturday.