JON Parkin could be in line for his first start of the season tomorrow with York City chief Chris Brass promising to make changes for the trip to Halifax Town.

In the wake of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Mansfield, which saw City slip back to tenth in the Division Three table, Brass indicated he will be resting 'one or two players' for tomorrow's LDV Vans Trophy tie.

That could mean starting roles at The Shay for the likes of Stephen Brackstone, Chris Smith and even possibly second-choice goalkeeper Chris Porter.

However, Parkin seems a certainty to start after an impressive second half substitute appearance at Field Mill on Saturday.

Brass was delighted with Parkin's 30-minute contribution and admitted last season's top scorer now just needs games to build up his match fitness and sharpness.

Enthused the City boss: "The big positive to come out of the game was the return of Jon Parkin.

"We have waited long enough but when he did come on he gave us something extra and hit a tremendous shot that rattled the crossbar.

"We need Jon back playing as soon as possible."

Parkin's return to front-line duties cannot come soon enough for City, particularly away from Bootham Crescent.

City, who have lost four and drawn just one of their last five away-days, have not scored on their travels since August 23.

Brass is now demanding greater consistency from his charges after the Minstermen's away-day blues were extended at Field Mill.

Brass was honest enough to admit the Stags, who themselves posted four wins on the bounce, were the better side.

He reckoned City showed their potential in a second half purple patch, but admitted the fact that City could not produce that form over 90 minutes was becoming a source of frustration.

"We were beaten by a better side and they had a bit more impetus than us and I think that was the main difference," he said.

"Mansfield are a good side and they have been together a long time now. They all know each others' games and passed it around well.

"That is where we want to be but we need to be more consistent.

"We have to learn and we have to learn quickly.

"We had a 15-minute spell when we had half a chance of getting back into the game but unfortunately we didn't take it.

"We have to be more professional too.

"They got the goals from two mistakes and they are things that can be eradicated.

"Conceding goals like that is hard to accept and we need to be that bit more professional."

Brass, who confirmed Lee Bullock missed the match with a hamstring strain, must be a doubt for tomorrow's LDV Vans Trophy clash with Halifax.

The City chief was substituted early in the first half after suffering mild concussion and was still feeling groggy after the match.

Pledging to ring the changes for the LDV tie, it is possible the City player-boss could blood a number of the club's third-year trainees.

The City youth team will be in cup action themselves just 24 hours later, when they entertain Hull City at Bootham Crescent in the first round of the FA Youth Cup, but the likes of Graeme Law and Sean Davies will be ineligible for Tigers' tie.

Updated: 10:58 Monday, October 13, 2003