YORK City will be down to the bare bones when they tackle fellow strugglers Lincoln City at Bootham Crescent tomorrow (3pm).

A crop of injuries has left manager Terry Dolan with just 15 fit professionals. Several younger playerscould be drafted into the squad. Definately included is midfielder Leigh Wood with forwards Marc Salvati and Scott Emmerson under consideration.

With Gary Hobson out with a hamstring problem, Dolan could be forced to switch from the wing-back system that was so effective in the 2-1 midweek victory over Hull City to 4-4-2 with Peter Duffield partnering Michael Proctor in attack with Alex Mathie on the bench.

Also out are Lee Nogan (calf), Richard Cooper (fractured leg) and Mark Male (thigh strain)..

One player who won't feature is utility player Marc Thompson, who is currently on trial with Third Division rivals Carlisle United.

Lincoln will give a late fitness test to midfielder Peter Gain who suffered a bruised thigh in the Imps' 2-1 defeat at Darlington on Tuesday and is rated doubtful.

Right-back Jason Barnett is also likely to miss out after only returning to the first team in recent weeks.

Barnett will make way for Mark Bailey, who came through a reserve match in midweek unscathed having shaken-off a calf injury.

Striker Lee Thorpe also suffered a bruised thigh against the Quakers, when it was feared he had also broken his nose.

However, doctors have given Thorpe the all-clear and he is expected to play tomorrow.

Lincoln, like City, have been blighted by inconsistency all season, losing four of their last seven games.

Prior to the midweek defeat to Darlington, Lincoln lost 3-0 to Halifax but followed up that resounding defeat to the League's bottom club with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Leyton Orient.

Heavy rain has made the Bootham Crescent pitch heavy and there will be an inspection at 10.30am tomorrow.

Updated: 11:50 Friday, February 01, 2002