For form, added to City's current league position, York are three time finalists, and two time winners, certainly having that cup pedigree. Taking a look at the recent final appearances, that date back to 2009, York would appear to be looking for a treble haul, before securing promotion back to the football league. In 2008-09 they lost 2-0 to Stevenage at Wembley, in 2011-12 defeated Newport County by two goals to nil, and 2016/17 saw a victory against Macclesfield with a 3-2 scoreline.
The Holy Blues' best performance in the FA Trophy came back in 2012-13, losing narrowly over two legs to Wrexham, the Welsh side going on to win on penalties against fellow Lincolnshire side Grimsby Town. Last season, York were unceremoniously dumped out of the Trophy, by Step 4 side, Nantwich Town, so will be more than wary of the threat posed by a lower ranked opponent, but the stakes are high for both sides. With a spot in the last 16 of non-league’s premier cup competition to play for, can the Holy Blues add another scalp and take another step towards the Wembley dream?
Added drama can be found in the Howe household, with brothers Declan and Callum coming up against each other on the pitch for the first, ever! And Boss, Russ Wilcox previously managed York. Keeping them in the Football League, before losing his job the following season. Two subsequent relegations following his departure saw York drop to National League North level. Now locking horns with a former club, Wilcox is looking forward to a home game with a packed ground. And the possibility of another Gainsborough Trinity cupset.
The Route
While York enter the Isuzu FA Trophy at the Fourth Round stage, the Holy Blues have navigated four ties to reach this stage. Away games against Kettering and Clitheroe, were followed by home games against National League North sides, Chester and Rushall Olympic. In the Third Qualifying Round the Blues defeated Kettering Town by two goals to none, Declan Howe and Lewis Butroid the scorers. In the First Round Proper Clitheroe were toppled by four goals to one, with scorers that day Javelle Clarke, Declan Howe, Will Lancaster and Sisa Tuntulwana. In the Second Round Proper, a single Declan Howe goal overcame Chester at home, 1-0. Then most recently in the Third Round Proper, Rushall Olympic 2-1 through two Declan Howe goals.
York City, National League table-toppers at the time of the draw, with 44 points from 21 games are possibly the toughest tie Russ Wilcox's side could have faced in the competition, but it will provide a real test of the squad's capabilities. And one thing is for certain, Wilcox's side will give it their all, to pull off another cup upset at the turn of the year.
Buy Tickets
Situated approximately 60 miles from York (an hour and a half by car) the game is really accessible and as such, will likely attract a bumper crowd through the turnstiles. As a result of this, the decision has been made to sell tickets in advance for this fixture, with match tickets available to purchase via our online ticketing portal. York have been allocated an initial 800 tickets, with the potential for more, should the demand be high enough. The Minstermen will be afforded the open away terrace. For our first home game of 2025, let’s start the New Year’s in style with a bumper crowd.
Tickets for Away Supporters can be purchased here.
Tickets for Gainsborough Trinity’s Blue Army can be purchased here.