"REGARDLESS of what they've done in the past, they're there in front of us to be beaten."

So said Micky Cummins ahead of York City's game tomorrow at Bootham Crescent (3pm) against Brackley Town.

The assistant manager also indicated the side were happy with their points tally two games into the campaign, despite the frustration of Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Farsley Celtic.

City have a tough start to the National League North season ahead of them, including games against four of last season's top six sides - of which Brackley are one.

Last season's beaten play-off semi-finalists, Kevin Wilkin's men have finished the last two NLN campaigns in third place.

But Cummins insists this does not trouble York.

"We address every game differently," he said. "We give due diligence in our analysis. We treat every team in that, regardless of what they've done in the past, they're there in front of us to be beaten.

"Every game is as important as another.

"We do the analysis, we work on where we might be able to exploit them, we work on that in training and, on Saturday, we hope to see the lads replicate it.

"Brackley are traditionally successful at this level.

"They play a brand of football with a back four. Unless they change their style and tactics, we're expecting a more open game, a more tactical sort of game.

"I think they're quite astute in the market. They've got good league experience in central areas like (former Coventry City captain) Carl Baker.

"They have a very particular style that suits the players they bring in and they have a brand that has been successful for them."

Brackley come into the game in 10th place, having won their season-opener against Alfreton Town 1-0 before going down 2-0 at Leamington.

Meanwhile, York's stalemate with Farsley midweek was the Minstermen's eighth unbeaten game on the trot.

It leaves them sixth in the early standings, level on points with five other teams.

Already, only one team - Guiseley - have maintained a positive 100 per cent record two games in, while bottom side Bradford Park Avenue have dismissed management pair Garry Thompson and Shaun Gardner after two defeats.

"It's a pressure league," Cummins said, addressing York's approach to the highly competitive division. "We're trying to put things right, respond to that pressure and get results during that pressure.

"It's going to be tough. We've got six games left in August - it's a long, hard slog.

"There are no gimmes in this league, regardless of status and club size.

"We have got to manage our expectations. We're still on course two games in and happy with what we have in terms of points on the board but we know there's improvements to be made.

"There's loads of positives to look at. We came away with a clean sheet. In previous years, that could have been a 1-0 defeat.

"Now we're prepping for Saturday and we're going to put things right."

A notable absence on Tuesday, striker Dan Maguire is making good progress with what is not thought to be a serious injury. Cummins said there were no other casualties to report.

Maguire was one of several players coming in for praise from manager Steve Watson's right-hand man, who hailed the atmosphere around the squad.

In addition, centre-back Josh King, 19, has been signed after impressing on trial in pre-season.

"(Maguire) has taken the transition from part-time to full-time football in his stride. He's energetic, he stretches teams and he gets us up the pitch and creates opportunities.

"He's great around the place - he's such a character.

"There's a blend (in the squad) - Macaulay Langstaff is making his way and Alex Kempster has taken it in his stride, he shows no fear.

"A lot of times in sessions, they're the driving force. They're pushing the training and leading the tempo.

"Sometimes you sit back and see the hunger and desire in them.

"And we've got serial winners in there like Bondy (Andy Bond) and Macca (Steve McNulty).

"There's a real good feel about the place."