ONE-TIME Minsterman midfield favourite Alan Pouton could be forgiven for feeling quite literally 'gutted'.

The skilful schemer is going to have to sit out York City's next FA Cup adventure on the first weekend of 2002 when they travel to the Blundell Park home of First Division club Grimsby Town, where Pouton is now a terrace hero.

Pouton, who moved to Grimsby from City in a £150,000 deal in the autumn of 1999, currently has his right leg in plaster after suffering a hairline fracture of the fibula during Grimsby's creditable 1-1 draw with promotion-hunting Wolves.

It means that 'Pouts' will be out of the third round tie, which would have been the first meeting between the two clubs since the rangy midfielder's move.

Declared the 24-year-old play-maker: "A lot of us Grimsby players were all together when the draw was made and when the tie came out the bag they were all celebrating except me. I'm sick that I won't be able to play."

Pouton has been one of the Mariners' leading men this term, despite the club's free-fall towards the bottom of the First Division in the aftermath of their staggering conquest of Worthington Cup holders Liverpool.

Pouton recalled that Worthington Cup wonder at Anfield as the easily the best in his time at Grimsby, but admitted he would have been looking forward with almost equal relish to locking horns with City.

"That was a tremendous night, especially with having a lot of family and friends there at Anfield to watch us," he said.

"But I'm gutted to be missing the York game, and the worst thing was the injury came a couple of minutes into injury time as well."

After being recommended to City by then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan Pouton made 103 League and cup appearances for the Minstermen scoring eight goals.

AFTER their FA Cup heroics against Reading it was something of a disappointment to see the Minstermen rewarded with an away tie at Grimsby in the third round.

Without wanting to show disrespect to the Mariners, it is hardly the most appetising of ties given that games against the likes of Manchester United, Leeds United, Arsenal or Liverpool were up for grabs.

City may be renowned cup fighters, but nor is it likely to be an easy task judging by the record books.

Grimsby's record against the Minstermen is as good as it gets.

In 47 games between the two clubs, Town have lost just six and four of those victories for City came between 1971 and 1974.

Since then, Grimsby have suffered just one defeat to City and in the last 12 meetings between the clubs Town have won nine and drawn three.

The two sides have met three times in the FA Cup, in 1926, 1971 and 1989 with Grimsby again having the upper hand.

In 1926 Grimsby won 2-1, in 1971 City emerged victorious 4-2 - current City director Barry Swallow getting on the scoresheet - before Town won the 1989 meeting 2-1.

YORKIE'S fight for mascot rights has gone global.

The Evening Press exclusive was followed up by the nationals last week and led to City's furry cheerleader featuring on Sky Television.

Since then though the story has continued to grow and the mascots' plight received international recognition this week when Yorkie's stance was broadcast on New Zealand's dedicated sports radio station.

The story also featured in the country's biggest newspaper, the New Zealand Herald, and has also appeared in newspapers in Japan.

Rumours that Yorkie will next be appearing on the BBC's Question Time are, as yet, unfounded.

ARDENT York City fan and familiar face to the Bootham Crescent faithful Andy Heppell has passed a significant milestone.

Andy, who is the man who walks around the pitch at half-time with the blackboard showing the raffle draw winner, has just completed his 125th half-marathon - a total of just over 1,637 miles.

Acomb-based Heppell reached the marker when he ran at Clowne, Chesterfield, in a time of 2hrs 08mins and 30secs.

He has now been accepted to run the 2002 London Marathon for the ninth time. In eight previous runs in the capital Andy has raised £6,800 for St Leonard's Hospice.

THE latest York City book charting the history of the club through the eyes of ex-players was hot off the press this week.

After a slight delay at the printers, author and Minstermen fan Garry Beckett finally took delivery of his book, titled York City Memoirs, in midweek.

Supporters who ordered the book, which features contributions from the likes of Keith Walwyn, Jack Pinder, Alf Patrick, Barry Jackson, Jon McCarthy and Gary Swann among others, should receive their copies in time for Christmas.

A limited number of extra books have been printed and are available to buy.

For further details, contact Gary on 0208 9796731 or 07812 669159.

ENGLAND legend Paul Gascoigne is lending a helping hand to former City stars Steve Agnew and Martin Reed and his hometown club.

Non-league Gateshead, where ex-City skipper Agnew and Reed are now plying their trade and where City's youth team 'keeper John Collinson spent a spell on loan earlier this season, are suffering a financial crisis.

Newcastle United director Douglas Hall has pulled the plug on a sponsorship deal leaving the UniBond League side needing £60,000 to see out the season.

Gazza this week stepped in with a £10,000 donation and is appealing to his fellow footballing Geordies to cough up and save the club.

He has also donated two signed Everton shirts for the club to raffle.

Gateshead's troubles come despite them lying in a healthy sixth place in the premier division following last weekend's 4-1 win over Hyde United. Agnew was one of the scorers.

TICKETS, priced £3, are currently available from the City club shop for next week's Junior Reds' Christmas Party.

The party will be staged in the social club between noon and 2pm on Thursday and will feature games, a buffet, an entertainer and a visit from the City squad.

On the same day, the City club shop will remain open until 8pm for shoppers wanting to make some late purchases for Christmas.

BOOKINGS are now being taken for City's away days over the festive period.

The Travel Club coach for Rochdale next Saturday will depart Bootham Crescent at 11.45am with seats priced £8 for members and £10 for non-members.

For the New Year's Day clash at Halifax, the bus will leave at 12.30pm with seats priced £7 and £9.

Places are also available for the trip to Grimsby Town on January 5 in the FA Cup third round. The bus will depart at 11.45pm with seats costing £10 and £12.