York City has changed its ticket allocation policy following a flood of complaints from fans unable to get into Saturday's FA Cup clash with Fulham.

Scores of supporters reacted with anger after being told the game at Bootham Crescent had sold out within hours of tickets going on general release.

Now, York City club secretary Keith Usher has introduced a voucher system from tonight's game onwards, to try to prevent a repeat of this week's fan frustration.

All programmes will contain a voucher on the front cover, which can then be presented when buying tickets for big games.

The new policy should mean supporters who regularly attend home matches will get priority.

Philip Rickinson, of Tadcaster Road, York, who takes his two young sons to watch the Minstermen, said: "Whilst I agree that season ticket holders should be given first refusal for any cup run tickets, I fail to understand why ticket tokens were not made available to supporters who were regularly attending all matches that preceded the next cup match.

"Surely this would have been an equitable way to ensure that those who regularly attend even the less glamorous matches are given a fair chance to obtain tickets."

Supporter Emma Knights, from Knaresborough, said: "I'm very disappointed.

"I go to every home match and most of the away games with my boyfriend.

"A lot of fans have come out of the closet. Maybe if they turned up every match we wouldn't be in this mess."

A spokesman for York City said: "The club would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to supporters, but would like to make it clear that every effort was made, in the short time scale available, to allocate the Fulham tickets in a fair and reasonable manner.

"We hope that those with tickets will come along to other games in the future.

"Demand for tickets for home league games towards the end of this season is likely to be very high, as City could be playing their last ever games at Bootham Crescent.

"The voucher system will ensure a fair distribution of the

allocations for any future over-subscribed matches."

Mike Blunt, of Roecliffe, Boroughbridge, a City fan for 18 years, said: "I've been completely let down - there has been no organisation. The club have not looked after the loyal fans.

"The Evening Press will have to print a map of how to get to Bootham Crescent - half the people with tickets won't know."

Fulham put their 3,000 allocation on sale to season ticket holders and club FFC members yesterday.

They go on general sale tomorrow.

Updated: 10:29 Tuesday, January 22, 2002