Manager Jay Saunders believes Maidstone can forget about York going down.

The sides meet at Bootham Crescent tomorrow (Saturday) with City still propping up the National League.

But if United are counting on them filling one of the four relegation places, they can think again.

They’ve made big changes to their squad and have lost only one of their last nine games in league and FA Trophy.

Saunders, whose side are three places above York in 21st, simply can’t see the Minstermen suffering back-to-back relegations.

He said: “I was speaking to Gary Waddock (Aldershot boss) and he said York are one of the best sides they’ve played recently.

“They’re big and strong with loads of experience.

“Let’s be honest, they’ve come down from League 2 and they’re not willing to go down again.

“They’re going to do everything they can to stay up and it’s going to be a hard game.

“For a club of that size to be struggling is a strange one but they’re trying hard to turn it around and I do think they’ll get out of the bottom four.

“I look at their squad and they’ve got too much to go down.

“They’re on a good run, too, and I know some of those games have been in the FA Trophy but winning breeds confidence.

“I just look at the teams down there and with the squad and the budget they’ve got, I think they’ll get out of it.”

Maidstone could end up bottom if they lose and North Ferriby and Guiseley both win but no one’s thinking like that as the squad head north today for an overnight stay.

Stones have Delano Sam-Yorke fit after illness and a groin problem, while fellow frontman Yemi Odubade has recovered from a foot injury and may be on the bench.

Saunders said: “It’s a big game, there’s no doubt about it, but they all are because there’s no point winning this one and losing the next two.”