SCOTT BARROW wants to see York City battling as a team ahead of a three-game week which could launch a rise back up the National League North table.

City face two away games in four days against a pair of sides challenging at opposite ends of the table before returning to the LNER Community Stadium next Saturday to face Chorley.

Tomorrow, the Minstermen travel to Guiseley, who sit 19th and just three points off the foot of the table. York go there off the back of their first win in five attempts - a slump which has seen them drop to 13th.

Asked how vital it will be to build on last Saturday's FA Trophy win over Blyth Spartans, Barrow said: "I think every game is vital now.

"We want to win every game and get us up the league to where York City should be.

"It's not going to be easy - every game is different. We play Gateshead on Tuesday, a footballing side, and we play Guiseley who are a big side and it's one of them where we've all got to battle as a team.

"If we do that, the main thing is if we start picking up second balls on Saturday and get on the front foot, we'll start causing problems and start scoring goals.

"We've got Becky up top. We'll get the crosses to the big man because we don't want to just be hitting to his head - his best attribute is from his chest down. He's one of the best around.

"If we can get the ball down and play like we did in spells against Blyth, I think we'll be fine on Saturday, then it's another tough game against Gateshead a few days later."

The left-back is returning from a pre-season Achilles injury, which has kept him out since the end of July.

It was a long 16 weeks for Barrow, who commented: "Obviously you just want to play. When things aren't going right, you want to contribute but you can't.

"Hopefully I'll stay injury-free and get a run of games and get my fitness back up. I was a bit rusty on Saturday, which I knew I was going to be, especially the last 30 minutes, but once I get my fitness back up, I'll be raring to go."

While first-choice full-back Barrow was out, City cycled through a few possibilities to deputise for him before settling on senior defender Mitch Hancox, whom York have brought in on loan from league rivals Hereford.

With Hancox's loan extended to January, Barrow will have a meaningful challenge to his berth in the team.

"You always want competition," he said. "When Mitch was playing, I was helping him and when I was playing on Saturday, Mitch was helping me.

"It's good to have competition - but whoever starts, we'll help each other because what we want is three points on a Saturday."

Barrow's return has been warmly welcomed by City supporters. The biggest question mark now is whether he will be able to see out 270 minutes of football over this coming week having been on the sidelines for four months.

"I'm back training fully so I'm getting there. I'm a bit tired after training but that could be old age," the 33-year-old smiled.

"If the gaffer calls me and says if I play Saturday I'll maybe swap round on the Tuesday then it is what it is.

"But if he needs me for any games, I'll be fine."