PLAYER-BOSS Chris Brass finally achieved his number one objective today after York City thrashed out an agreement with Barry Town to sign experienced goalkeeper Mark Ovendale.

Brass, who this week signed former Sunderland shot-stopper Chris Porter, has been searching for an experienced number one after initial target Marlon Beresford failed a medical.

Ovendale, 29, arrived at Bootham Crescent on trial earlier this week but was forced to miss out last night's pre-season friendly with Livingston because he was contracted to Barry.

Brass today praised the Welsh League outfit for allowing Ovendale, who tasted Champions' League football with Barry in Macedonia this summer, to make a swift return to the Football League with the Minstermen.

Although City are not in a position to pay Barry a transfer fee, Brass revealed the one-year deal, which is expected to be formally ratified over the next 48 hours, will probably see the Welsh club get a chunk of any sell-on fee should the former Luton and Bournemouth 'keeper be transferred.

"We are still in final talks with Barry but they have been very good about the situation and Mark now has an opportunity to stake his claim for the number one shirt here," revealed Brass.

The City chief added: "I'm delighted to have two quality 'keepers. Chris has impressed me and I think that will keep Mark on his toes.

"Mark has come in as number one but I've already stated I would have no qualms in putting Chris in. It's pointless having a number two 'keeper if you don't think he can do a job in the first team."

The arrival of Ovendale means City will not be offering a contract to trialist Scott Ward, who played last night.

Brass, who reckons he now has his starting XI in mind for the opening day trip to Carlisle, will monitor the club's remaining trialists - defenders Damon Searle, Richard Hope, Adam Reed and striker Ian Lawson - over the coming week.

Updated: 14:36 Friday, August 01, 2003