TERRY Dolan has called for his players to cut out the "schoolboy errors" ahead of tonight's tough trip to Notts County in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

Dolan believes the six goals conceded in the last two matches - the 3-2 defeat against Exeter and the 3-0 reverse at Hartlepool - could all have been avoided.

And the City boss knows if his side are to progress through they need to stop making basic errors.

"The annoying thing is that we haven't been playing that badly, it is just that every mistake that we are making is proving crucial," said Dolan. "They are what you would class as schoolboy errors at the moment.

"We've got to keep persevering and hope that the players who are picked don't make those mistakes.

"There is nothing wrong with the formation we're using and there is nothing wrong with the team spirit, but the three goals against Exeter and the three goals on Saturday could all have been avoided.

"The victory would be nice, but the performance is important as is stopping making mistakes. If we can eradicate that we will have a better chance of winning"

With Lee Bullock (knee), Darren Edmondson (groin) and Graham Potter (hip) all definitely ruled out and Gary Hobson still on the comeback trail, Dolan has been forced to reshuffle his pack for the trip.

"The back four won't be the same for one or two reasons," said Dolan. "Chris Brass moved back because we thought he would help us there but I think we missed his presence more in midfield.

"With Bullock out Chris will move back to midfield."

Mike Basham, one defensive option, is likely to start on the bench due to the fact he will be suspended for Saturday's visit of Southend United.

Chris Smith, described by Dolan "as the one bright spot" from Saturday, moves in from right back to the centre of defence in place of Brass.

Reserve keeper Russell Howarth is also given his chance to make his mark with Alan Fettis rested.

Nick Richardson has recovered from a knock sustained in a challenge from ex-Minsterman Mark Tinkler and should be okay to play.

While Dolan has been forced to make a number of changes, Notts County, who were tipped to push for the Division Two title, are themselves going through a transitional period.

Gary Brazil has just taken over from the sacked Jockey Scott and Dolan knows this could be a difficult time to face them.

"We know enough about them," he said. "They have some talented players, but they've been on a bit of a dodgy run themselves, so whether it will be a good time to face them, I don't know.

"We don't know how they will approach it, whether they will give some young players a chance or not, but they have got a big enough squad to do it."

Worringly for City is the news County boss Brazil is likely to field his strongest possible side for his first home game in charge.

Leading scorer Danny Allsopp, who has netted eight times in 13 starts this season, and ex-England Under-21 captain Darren Caskey, are two players Dolan has pinpointed, but he admits York will be faced by an experienced squad.

Ex-Leicester defender Simon Grayson, who was born in Ripon, could start as he looks to impress on-loan from Stockport County, while Tony Hackworth is in line for his first start since signing from Leeds.

County do however have doubts over ex-Sunderland midfielder Gary Owers, Richard Liburd, Nicky Fenton and Mark Stallard with all four facing fitness test this afternoon.

Updated: 09:20 Tuesday, October 16, 2001