York City take on fourth-placed Mansfield Town in the game of the day in the Blue Square Premier on Boxing Day.

The Minstermen will have on loan Stags defender Luke Graham available after being given permission to play by his parent club.

Assistant manager Andy Porter told The Press: “I am very surprised they are allowing him to play and I’m surprised they let him out on loan because he’s a decent lad who’s been strong and dominant for us and done well. I think he’s been a bit of a steal for us over the past two months.”

However, former Mansfield centre-back Alan O'Hare (ankle) and fellow defender Djoumin Sangare (abdominal) are likely to remain sidelined.

York were calling for volunteers to clear their pitch of snow before the game. And Porter was expecting a large crowd should the match go ahead.

“We don’t want a fixture backlog. We are still in two cups and we have already had three league games postponed," he continued.

“We want to get the game on, especially considering the run we’re on. We’re also expecting a big crowd for Boxing Day and it’s always great having the fans behind you.

“We have had some good support recently and that’s great to see and hear. The players appreciate it and it will help in a big game for us.”

Mansfield have won only one of their last six games and suffered a surprise 2-0 FA Trophy home defeat to Tamworth in their last appearance a fortnight ago.

Experienced keeper Alan Marriott should recover from a twisted ankle that forced his replacement in that game, while right-back Gary Silk has shaken-off illness.

But Rob Duffy, Craig Armstrong and Jake Speight are all doubtful with a virus.