YORK City were given a quadruple squad boost as the Minstermen's reserves lost their opening fixture 1-0 at Bury.

Midfielder Nick Richardson, defender Gary Hobson and utility player Marc Thompson all came through the 90 minutes unscathed after recent spells in the treatment room.

Their return to fitness will be a perfectly-timed fillip for City boss Terry Dolan, who now has some fresh options for Saturday's visit of troubled Halifax Town.

In another plus-point, midfielder Christian Fox successfully came through the final 20 minutes after more than six months out following major knee surgery.

Although Fox is some way short of a first-team recall he will now be able to step up his training and could be in the reckoning by the middle of next month.

Ex-City trialist and Manchester United striker George Clegg scored the only goal of the game just before half-time.

Current City trialist Michael Evans played the full 90 minutes and Dolan will continue to monitor his progress for the remainder of the week.

Evans, 24, was playing second division football in Holland last season and had a trial at Bradford City in the summer.

Halifax could be managerless by the time they arrive at Bootham Crescent with Paul Bracewell set to resign.

The announcement that he is to leave The Shay was expected to be formalised at a press conference today.

It is believed Town chairman Bob Walker tried to persuade Bracewell to change his mind but after just four games it seems the former Everton and Sunderland schemer has had enough.

Assistant-manager Neil Redfearn, who turned down a loan move to City last season, is likely to be handed the role on a caretaker basis.

Updated: 11:50 Thursday, August 30, 2001