THE match might have been called off, but that didn't dampen the spirits of more than 1,000 football fans who united to support York City.

They came from as far away as Brighton, Southampton and London to deliver a message of defiance to City chairman Douglas Craig, who has put the club up for sale.

The normally-serene South transept of the Minster was transformed as supporters from dozens of league clubs gathered.

And Bootham was closed off as the marchers made their way to City's ground, Bootham Crescent, amid a heavy downpour.

The march was organised by City fan Frank Ormston. He said: "It is fantastic that so many people have turned out. We want to make the Football Association (FA) take notice. I want to thank our good friends from Brighton, many of whom set off at 6am to be here."

Dave Boyle, of the Football Supporters Association, added: "We should not have to rally round to save our football clubs.

"The message we want to send out, to the FA, is please help us. We can only do so much. The FA say they operate for the good of the game. There should be rules to stop what was happened at York City."

On the march, many fans said they had turned up, despite the conditions, to show solidarity with fellow fans.

Stan Collins, a member of the York City Supporters Trust, said: "We are showing a united face with fans from all different clubs. Hopefully this will show Douglas Craig that all the fans mean business."

Scott McCarthy had travelled from Brighton to take part in the march. He said: "York City fans helped our club when it was in trouble. That's why we are doing the same.

"We have gone through this and we are going to do all we can to help them out."

Adrian Pattison, of Strensall, added: "We have got to support our club. I didn't think so many fans would turn up. It just shows how many people want York City to survive."

Richard and Muriel Willis, are York season ticket holders, despite living in Derby and Scarborough. Richard said: "You have to give credit to those supporters who travelled a long way to get here." Muriel added: "The game may have been called off but that did not detract from the march."

Updated: 08:51 Monday, February 04, 2002