PLAYER-BOSS Chris Brass has expressed his relief after City ended their away-day goal drought.

The Minstermen travelled to Cheltenham without a goal in their last six League matches and would have set a new club record had they left Whaddon Road with another blank scoresheet.

But Jon Parkin's spectacular goal in the 1-1 draw ended that barren run.

It was Parkin's second goal of the season in just three starts but he will now sit out four games suspended and Brass realises his team will need to recruit more firepower if they are to avoid another goal famine.

The City manager said: "Records are there to be broken but that's one we did not want.

"It is pleasing that we got a goal because chances were not at an optimum but, by the same token, it was a very professional and disciplined performance.

"We all know what we can do at home and we just need a bit more quality and guile now because it just did not happen up front again really.

"That's something that we will address and are looking at so watch this space. We know we need a goalscorer.

"We are not hiding from that but they are still the people that demand the money and because of the financial implications at the club we might have to look for a rough diamond to come through."

Brass admitted that he was frustrated to let in an 85th-minute equaliser against Cheltenham but generously conceded that a draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play.

His side are now unbeaten in four matches but, having drawn them all, they have not tasted victory since the 2-0 win over Cambridge seven games ago and Brass feels that is scant reward for his players' performances.

He said: "I think somewhere along the way we should have got a win but, by the same token, we have gone four games undefeated, and I think we are a difficult side to beat."

Brass also praised Richard Cooper's dependability after he was restored to the starting line-up in place of suspended midfielder Darren Dunning.

"He gave a valiant performance," Brass said. "We all know what Richard can do and he's gone in and adapted well to that position.

"It was diffficult in there because they are not bad in midfield and I think possession wise they probably had more of it but he stuck at it and did a creditable job. That's what he's there for and I expect no less.

"Sometimes his versatility is his downfall but he's a valuable member of the squad and when he's asked to do a job he does not let me down."

Dunning is available for Sunday's FA Cup clash with Barnsley after completing his one-match ban.

Updated: 11:05 Monday, November 03, 2003