WHAT a painful blow for York City and Peter Duffield with the news the striker is facing another protracted spell on the sidelines.

We can only wish the amiable and popular hitman a speedy recovery as he battles back from another broken leg.

Amazingly, Duffield, as devastated as he is, is refusing to be bitter, even though this fresh injury was picked up in bizarre circumstances when he and team-mate Nick Richardson collided on the training ground.

"It is frustrating how it happened but it's better it being an accident than someone having 'done me' on the pitch," Duff-ield told the Evening Press.

"This way I don't have any bitterness and accidents are easier to cope with."

For all the injury woes digging City, there was some brighter news this week.

As reported in the Evening Press, Marc Thompson and Gary Hobson have both returned to training.

There was better news too for Alex Mathie, who is also back training, although on his own and under the watchful eye of City physio Jeff Miller.

"We are just waiting to see what sort of reaction he has from the running as he steps it up each day," said Adie Shaw.

"At this moment it is fingers' crossed he is on the road back."