SEETHING Terry Dolan refused to pull his punches in the wake of York City's heavy 4-0 beating by Cheltenham Town.

The defeat was City's third on the trot but was in stark contrast to their last two reverses at the hands of Luton and Plymouth when at least the Minstermen went down fighting.

City have now dropped to 23rd in Division Three, just one off the bottom but remain 12 points clear of Halifax Town, who lost 3-0 to Shrewsbury.

"We got what we deserved and there are no excuses," said City chief Dolan.

"For the first time in quite a while we have been out fought - not out-played but out-fought and there is a big difference. It means a lot, especially at this level."

Dolan added: "At least against Plymouth and Luton we fought every bit as much as the opposition but against Cheltenham we didn't.

"The players have got to hold their hands up and admit they were second best."

City's cause was not helped by illness and injury which forced a reshuffle, nor a fortunate opening headed goal from Julian Alsop in the first-half.

"The players said it was going wide but then a gust of wind took it inside and it has hit the post," explained Dolan.

"At that stage we were every bit as good as Cheltenham and there was nothing in the game

"But the game lasts 90 to 95 minutes and we were out-fought and for the second time this season we haven't been able to handle Alsop and Tony Naylor."

Mike Basham failed a fitness test on the morning of the game with a thigh strain forcing a tactical switch which saw Chris Brass moved out to the right hand side of midfield.

Stuart Wise was ruled out through illness while Lee Bullock was forced off at half-time also suffering a virus.

However, Dolan refused to hide behind the enforced changes.

"They are matters of fact. They are not excuses.

"Fortunately, we have a week to prepare now but it will be our last free week before the season finishes.

"After this week we have two games a week and seven home games so let's hope we can get this result out of our system next week and give our supporters something to shout about."

Dolan's mood was in stark contrast to Cheltenham's Steve Cotterill, who reckoned but for some fine saves from City goalkeeper Alan Fettis his side could have won by more.

"Isn't it always the same when he plays against us?" said the Robins' boss.

"He is worth points to them all season and he is an outstanding goalkeeper.

"A couple of those at the end you just do not know how he saved them but he has.

"It is always difficult to score four goals against anybody but especially against him because you know they won't have come cheap."

Updated: 08:39 Monday, March 11, 2002