GOOD to see Jon McCarthy and Andy McMillan get a rousing reception at Bootham Crescent last Saturday.

The pair stepped on to the hallowed turf where they made their names to conduct a half-time prize-draw.

Seeing McCarthy back on his feet was a particular sight to behold.

The Northern Ireland international is still recovering from his second broken leg suffered inside a year.

But the flying winger could soon be ready to return to action with his club Birmingham City - especially judging by his exertions earlier that morning.

As reported in the Evening Press, McCarthy was in York to lend his former team-mate a lending hand at McMillan's own Football Academy for kids.

McCarthy took time out from the comeback trail to pass on his tips from the top and show-off his silky skills at the fun sessions, run by McMillan every Saturday morning at the Hopgrove Playing Fields Association sports complex.

WHILE one former 'Yorkie' residing in Essex is looking to return North a current Minsterman did his chances of earning a return south no harm.

City's transfer-listed striker Barry Conlon - ironically sold to York by Little last year - made his debut for Colchester United last Saturday and helped the Division Two outfit end promotion-chasing Reading's proud unbeaten home record.

Conlon, signed by United boss Steve Whitton on a month's loan, earned promising reviews as the U's produced "a high class performance of guts, flair and passion to knock the millionaire Royals off their Madejski Stadium throne".

Said a delighted Whitton after the game: "We showed both sides of our game and the lads fully deserved their win - to a man they were all tremendous.

"I thought Barry enjoyed a really good first half."

Whitton would no doubt be looking for more of the same from Conlon this afternoon with the Layer Road outfit up against Colin Addison's Yeovil Town in the FA Cup.

Conlon, who has been given clearance to play for United in the Cup by City, said: "I've got a month at the club and my aim is to get my head down and work as hard as I can. I wouldn't hesitate to move down here if everything works out well."

SWAPPING the Street for the Crescent earlier this week was soap queen Liz Dawn.

The former landlady of Britain's most famous pub, the Rovers' Return, better known as Vera Duckworth, was a notable face in the crowd at Tuesday night's gripping FA Youth Cup tie between City's juniors and Darlington.

I understand the Coronation Street star is aunt to City first-year junior Luke Ibbotson, who played a starring role in the rookie's penalty shoot-out triumph over the Quakers.

WAYNE Hall's Testimonial Fund saw its coffers boosted by almost £2,500 this week.

An auction of football memorabilia at the City Social Club raised £2,484 for 'Ginner' with an autographed Manchester United shirt, donated by Jonathan Greening, going under the hammer for a staggering £1,000.

A chance to train with City for the day saw a bidding war develop before it was decided Dave Finnie, of Stockton on the Forest, and John Catton, a member of City's London and the South branch of the Supporters' Club, could both send a day with their heroes for £190 each.

Congratulations to 'Ginner', but congratulations too to the Supporters' Club, who in the last few weeks have helped raise more than £3,500 for one of Bootham Crescent's favourite sons.

A 'Ginner Dinner' organised by the London and the South branch and staged in the capital last month raised £1,100.

Good to hear then that the Supporters' Club recruitment crusade passed another notable landmark this week in the quest for a 1,500 strong-membership.

At the last count the club had passed the 650 mark and now has 654 members.

WITH City on the trail of FA Cup glory tomorrow, The Yorkie Bars were promising to show the way as they began their hunt for silverware this afternoon.

As reported in this column earlier this month, The Bars are a group of Internet-surfing Minstermen followers who are currently competing in the Internet Football Association League.

Despite having yet to taste victory since forming at the beginning of the season, confidence was high that a first win would be realised this afternoon as the Bars did battle with Hibernian in the second round of the IFA League Cup at Oaklands Sports Centre.

YOUNG City goalkeeper Russ Howarth did his future international prospects no harm at all when he impressed in England Under-18s' 3-2 win over Belgium at Valley Parade this week.

City's assistant manager Adie Shaw travelled to Bradford and saw Howarth complete the full 90 minutes. Shaw enthused: "Russ did everything that was asked of him really.

"He had no chance with either of the goals, he played well and it was an excellent night for him."

Belgium took the lead through Stein Huysegems from the penalty spot and were in front again in the second period through Jonathan Walasiak - a Johnnie Jackson free kick having put England level.

But England wrapped up victory with Kevin Nolan levelling the scores before Peter Clarke's late header settled the issue.

A REMINDER that tomorrow's programme fair in the City Social Club is still going ahead despite the Minstermen being in FA Cup action across the Pennines. The fair will run from 11am to 2pm. The club bar will be open and admission is free.