Skipper Michael Flynn was picked for his first start since his serious stomach illness as City made three changes for the visit to form side Torquay.
Flynn, who was on the bench against Port Vale, has not kicked a ball since the win at Southend on December 16 - City's only away victory.
With James Hanson beginning his long lay-off, Craig Fagan was recalled to play a lone striking role.
Flynn was expected to feature at the front of a five-man midfield as the link with him.
The other change saw Simon Ramsden starting his first game since New Year's Eve when he broke his toe against Shrewsbury. City have now won since he was out.
CITY: McLaughlin, Ramsden, Oliver, Davies, Seip, Smalley, Ravenhill, Jones, Reid, Flynn, Hanson. Subs: Wells, Kozluk, Atkinson, Syers, Duke.
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