ESSEX Police have confirmed that they are making inquiries into the incident that left York City striker Chris Beardsley with a broken jaw at the weekend.

Beardsley's jaw was broken in two places following an off-the-ball clash with Grays Athletic defender Jamie Stuart 19 minutes into the Blue Square Premier game at the Recreation Ground. The 23-year-old City striker later travelled back with his team-mates following a 2-0 win and, during a one-hour operation at Derby hospital on Sunday night, received three plates in his jaw.

Essex Police spokeswoman Donna Vesey said: "We were contacted on Monday, September 24, following reports of an assault at a football game between Grays Athletic and York City on Saturday afternoon involving a 23-year-old footballer from Derby and a 30-year-old footballer from Kent. Inquiries are continuing."

The police are now understood to be taking statements from witnesses of Saturday's incident, which it is believed was not caught on the video of the game.

Stuart conceded a penalty and was sent off after one of referee David Phillips' assistants spotted the offence and the ex-England under-21 international is now waiting to hear whether he will face charges.

Meanwhile, City midfielder Phil Turnbull has returned to light training after missing the start of the campaign because of the dislocated shoulder he suffered during the pre-season friendly at Frickley.

Minstermen physio Jeff Miller said: "He's doing okay and, six weeks on, his arm movement is pretty good. He did his first bit of ball work on Monday. It wasn't anything special, but footballers like the ball at their feet and he's also doing a bit of running."

Midfielder Ross Greenwood is a fortnight away from a first-team return after fracturing his wrist, with Carl Jones (fractured cheekbone) and Craig Farrell (thigh) also in the treatment room.

But on-loan Grimsby winger Nick Hegarty could be back in contention for tomorrow night's home clash with Halifax after missing the Grays match with a leg muscle strain.