SUSPENDED midfielder Andy Bond is pleased with York City's start to term - but reckons they are yet to reach their full potential.

The Minstermen sit second in the National League North, just one point off the summit ahead of tomorrow's trip to North East rivals Darlington.

Bond, who joined in the summer, is the only player definitely ruled out of the game, having amassed five yellow cards already this season.

The 33-year-old admitted surprise and disappointment at collecting so many so early, and has also vowed not to replicate the unenviable milestone.

His fifth arrived last Saturday in the 1-1 home draw with Southport, in which Alex Kempster struck just before half-time to cancel out David Morgan's opener for the visitors.

"We didn't play to our standards," Bond said of the stalemate. "The main thing is we didn't lose - we came from behind again to draw.

"Hopefully we'll put it right on Saturday.

"To be honest, I think we've drawn more than we would have liked to have drawn.

"We're obviously unbeaten but I wouldn't say we've hit top gear yet.

"When we do, I would say we'll be a force to be reckoned with."

On his suspension, he added: "Silly. Very, very silly. I don't think I've picked up five yellow cards in the first two months, ever. I honestly don't know where that's come from.

"It's something that won't happen again."

With City his 11th senior club - including loan spells - Bond arrived at Bootham Crescent with plenty of experience to bring to the team.

He says conversation with manager Steve Watson was key in his decision to move to York - as well as chats with City stalwart Sean Newton.

What he expected of joining up with the former Premier League star Watson - who played at Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton - have come to fruition, he says.

"I spoke to the gaffer and Newts and he sold the club to me," Bond explained. "He said it's a club going in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.

"The gaffer's played at the top and he'll want to instil a certain style of play on his squad. When we can, we try and play, and when we can't we try and grind the results out.

"I think we've started really well."

Bond has one goal to his name so far this season - but it earned a valuable three points against a stubborn Brackley Town, who lost 1-0 at Bootham Crescent in August.

And though personal accolades are nice, it is the three points he says are the most important thing.

"As long as we win, I'm not fussed one bit," Bond said.

"Don't get me wrong, I'd love to score 15, 20 goals but it's a team game and if the team's winning, that's all that matters.

"I've been around the block but I'm still hungry, I still want more promotions, I want to win more things - and I aim to do that here."

The fan base is something that has impressed Bond since his arrival. At home games, attendance has not yet dipped below 2,000.

"The fans are unbelievable," he said. The first home game was against Farsley on a Tuesday night and there was over 2,000 there.

"Then when we played Gateshead at home, there was over 3,000.

"The noise they make - it's like having a 12th man.

"For the league we're in, it's unbelievable.

"I just hope we can repay the faith they show in us."