PITY poor Barry Parker, voice of sport on Radio York.

Having travelled for hours to get to Exeter City's clash with York City on Tuesday night, the irrepressible commentator had an on-air nightmare.

First his broadcaster's battery pack ran out of juice and he had to borrow a spare from BBC colleagues. Then his description of the match began to fade and crackle until he "began to sound like Donald Duck", according to one supporter with his ear glued to the wireless.

Eventually technical gremlins overcame the sportscaster completely - and his commentary was replaced by that of his colleague from BBC Radio Devon.

This was all the more frustrating because the game's only goal, by the Minstermen's Dave Merris, came in the second half when Barry had been replaced. Then came the long trek home in the snow.

Barry is sure to bounce back for next week's home match against Barnet. He has a cult following, and to cheer him up we urge Bazza's many fans to join us in a cheery rendition of his catchphrase: "Up go the heads!"

ANOTHER York City connection now, in an item which suggests schoolyards used to be tougher places than today.

Bill Cooper, of Newton-on-Ouse, contacted the Diary to add his memories of long-gone playground games.

"As a nine-year-old boy in 1940 at Rossington Junior School near Doncaster, me and my friend were 'cock of the school' playing 'Fights In Pairs'," he writes.

"I was very small and slight for my age, and I was always carried by Ronnie Spence (yes, the same Ron who later played for York City in the epic FA Cup semi-final and replay in the Fifties).

"Ronnie was also small but strongly built, and we made a formidable combination.

"I fitted squarely on his broad shoulders with my left arm around his neck and fought anyone off using my right arm.

By the way, I believe Doncaster Rovers rejected Ron because of his size when he signed for York (their loss)."

City could do with some of that fighting spirit today.

BACK in 2003, Keith Elsworth of Strensall wrote to my predecessor Turpin about a mis-spelt plaque in Helmsley Town Hall.

At the time he was informed that, because the wording had been drafted by Prince Andrew and was approved by Buckingham Palace, it was unalterable.

An update from Keith: "The Town Clerk informed me that it could not be changed because the Duke had passed it but he reckoned without the power of the Press as the plaque has now been replaced."

GOOD to see regular Evening Press contributor Paul Willey in our feature tonight on the people who work outside in all weathers.

As always, the bard of Burnholme Drive has a comment on the latest York news.

"I see some disgruntled crank took a hammer to the windows of the city council Treasury on Tuesday afternoon," he emails.

"Police say 180,000 people

are helping with their inquires."

Updated: 09:30 Thursday, February 24, 2005