YORK City might return to the loan market in search of a striker following the departure of Dean Crowe and the four-match suspension incurred by Jon Parkin.

City have confirmed that Crowe has returned to Luton following his "disappointing" month-long loan, while Parkin is set to miss all of November following his sending off for violent conduct against Scunthorpe on Saturday.

City assistant-boss Lee Nogan said: "We had a look at Dean but it did not work out. We were a bit disappointed but that's how it goes.

"We will be looking at the possibility of another loan signing. We might have to get someone in depending on how much we miss Jon Parkin or if we get another injury. It's a case of who comes available and the finances. It might be a couple of weeks down the line, maybe sooner."

Parkin's punishment is longer than the mandatory three-game suspension for the offence because he also saw red against Scottish Premier Division club Livingston in pre-season.

The 21-year-old will now sit out City's FA Cup clash with his former club Barnsley at Bootham Crescent, as well as the league clashes with Doncaster Rovers, Leyton Orient and Swansea, providing a replay is not needed to settle the Tykes tie.

If York were to be knocked out of the Cup without a replay, that will mean Parkin would be unavailable until December 13 unless a league match can be re-arranged for the preceding weekend, which is set aside for second round matches.

Player-manager Chris Brass has decided not to appeal against the red card because the incident was not caught on the match video.

Meanwhile, City reserves were today entertaining Hartlepool in the Pontin's Cup, kick off 2pm.

City reserves: Porter, Law, Davis, Cooper, Wise, Kelly, Dove, Wood, Wilford, George, Stewart. Subs: Ashcroft, Stockdale, Webster, Anderson, Arthur.

Updated: 10:43 Wednesday, October 29, 2003