YORK City caretaker boss Viv Busby was ruing a missed opportunity after watching his side lose 2-0 at home to play-off hopefuls Aldershot on Sunday.

A third successive league victory would have lifted the Minstermen above Gravesend, Burton Albion and Canvey Island to 15th in the Conference - their highest league position since the start of October.

But City remain 19th and Busby admitted that Saturday's trip to third-bottom Forest Green Rovers is still a "massive" match.

He said: "If we had won we would have been in a nice position looking at mid-table but now we start again with a massive game at Forest Green."

Aldershot moved up to second after their two first half goals secured maximum points but Busby believed there was little between the teams, feeling City started the game brighter and bettered their high-flying visitors after the break.

"We were the best side for 60 minutes," City's acting manager said. "It shows you the difference between teams in this league and it's just a matter of being consistent."

On-loan Leeds United midfielder Rob Constable could be given an individual training regime to improve his fitness levels this week.

Constable looked off the pace against Aldershot and was substituted after 56 minutes, having been recalled to the team following a foot injury in place of the suspended Darren Dunning.

Busby said: "Because of his injury, Rob has missed eight or nine days training. We might have to give him a bit of extra work this week.

"It's also totally different to what he's used to. This is 100 miles per hour stuff whereas he's been playing reserve football which is more leisurely."

Midfield substitute Lev Yalcin earned praise from Busby, who said: "It was good to see Lev looking ively and he always looks a threat going forward. He also tracked back and did his defensive duties."

Carlisle's 4-1 FA Trophy victory over Barnet means City's February 26 trip to the play-off chasers will now have to be rescheduled as the Cumbrians will be in Trophy fifth round action.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, February 07, 2005