BOSS Chris Brass is demanding York City get ugly after watching his Minstermen's seven-match unbeaten run in the league come to a shuddering halt at Darlington.

City's first visit to Darlington's new £27million Reynolds Arena is one they will want to forget after a 3-0 defeat.

The Quakers certainly deserved their win, although the scoreline perhaps flattered the hosts.

City had the lion's share of possession, in the second-half in particular, but paid the price for their season-long problem of not putting the ball in the back of the net.

"We are sometimes just too pretty," admitted Brass.

"We know that and something has to be done about it.

"We can't keep saying it's all right because we are playing attractive football

"Once you get in front of goal someone has to pull the trigger.

"It's not the first time it has happened but unless it is rectified we will have to change things around."

With Richard Hope missing through suspension, Brass was forced to change from his preferred five at the back to a flat-back-four.

The City chief conceded the enforced changes had perhaps played a part in City's downfall.

However, he implied those players who were handed a chance to stake a claim for a more regular place in the starting line-up had not risen to the occasion.

"With the size of the squad it is difficult to change things around," he explained.

"We have built our base from the defence and from having Richard, myself and Chris Smith together that was the start of the unbeaten run.

"It is difficult but you expect people to step forward when they are given the opportunity.

"You find out one or two things after a defeat like this and it is up to me to rectify it."

Brass said he was particularly disappointed that it wasn't until City fell behind to an early Barry Conlon goal that the Minstermen started to perform.

"It was particularly frustrating in the first-half, because Darlington had the extra impetus and I expected more from my team," said Brass.

"Because of that they have deservedly gone in 2-0 up at half-time.

"In the second half, we had a right good go but in the final third we didn't have the quality to break them down.

"It wasn't through a lack of effort in the second half.

"What frustrated me was the fact we didn't start like that

"We had to wait to get going when we should be striking as soon as the whistle goes."

In the one major plus point for City, third-year trainee Matthew Coad made his senior debut as a second-half substitute.

The 18-year-old midfielder was on the pitch for less than ten minutes but caught the eye with a number of stiff challenges and a couple of decent attempts on goal.

"That was a positive and he almost scored with his first touch," said Brass.

"He deserves his chance and he has done well."

Unfortunately for both club and player, Coad is now facing a three-match ban after being sent-off in a reserve team game at Doncaster Rovers at the end of last month.

Updated: 10:12 Monday, December 08, 2003