THE frenzied transfer activity at Bootham Crescent continued today with goalkeeper Mark Ovendale coming in on trial and the offer of contracts to Stephen Downes and Chris Porter.

Ovendale joins Ian Lawson and Harrogate Town left-back Dave Merris as the club's current City wannabes, having initially been lined up for the number one jersey before Marlon Beresford filled the breach.

However, player-boss Chris Brass was forced to re-assess his goalkeeping options after Beresford failed his medical.

A number of players have attempted to fill the role, with trialist Porter offered the chance to become City's second choice goalkeeper for the season.

Having seemingly missed out on a contract with the Minstermen, Ovendale, the one-time Bournemouth and Luton shot-stopper signed for Barry Town in the Welsh League.

But Brass has gone back to the 29-year-old - who starred twice in wins for the Cherries over City in their 1998/9 Second Division relegation season - to offer him the chance to fill the massive void left.

Brass said: "Mark was someone who had interested us before we went for Marlon.

"Unfortunately, the Marlon deal fell through and in that time Mark had signed for Barry Town. To be honest, he has probably signed a bit too quickly and we are in talks with Barry to see how we can get around it."

Ovendale, who cost Luton £425,000 back in 2000, started training with the club yesterday, alongside fellow hopeful, Lawson.

Brass added: "Both have done well, but we knew all about their backgrounds before.

"Ian has now sorted his compensation with Bury out, so it is a case of buckling down. He is generally physically fit, but like Mitch Ward, because he has not played much recently, he just needs to get match fit."

Lawson is almost certain to play some role on Thursday against Livingston (7.45pm), while Ovendale's involvement depends on the club securing international clearance and arranging a deal with Barry.

Brass has the potential back-up of Porter, with the former Sunderland and Darlington keeper mulling over the offer of a one-year deal at the club.

Porter has been given the nod over fellow trialist Craig Turns, who has now been released, to fill the back-up keeping position for the forthcoming campaign, although the City chief hasn't ruled out seeing him take over the first team role.

And joining Porter in the offer of a one-year deal is utility player Downes, who can either at full-back, wing-back or midfield.

"Both have impressed me with the way they have applied themselves," said Brass. "Chris will be the second choice, but he has got to push for the number one spot, while Stephen will offer us a variety of options.

"The pleasing thing is neither deal eats into the budget and hopefully the pair will be willing to take the opportunity to join us."

Four first-team players will be on duty tonight as City's youth team travel to take on York and District Senior League outfit Boroughbridge (7pm).

Defender Scott Jones and midfielders Leigh Wood, Stephen Brackstone and Richard Cooper have been included in the intermediate squad at the request of player-manager Brass.

With City's pre-season friendlies dominated by trialists, Brass is anxious to pep up the match fitness of those players who have enjoyed just cameo appearances so far.

Jones has been laid low by a virus and tonight's game will mark his first run-out of pre-season.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, July 29, 2003