THE return of Mark Bower to Bootham Crescent in midweek to plug a leaking York City defence was a sight for sore eyes.

But his addition to the playing quota served only to highlight the problems of a so far disappointing season for the Minstermen.

Bower was expected to make his 'second' City debut against Shrewsbury Town this afternoon, bringing the total number of players used this season to 29.

City have still some way to go before they surpass the all-time record of 35 players used in a campaign, achieved just last season.

The previous record had stood for more than 50 years when in 1946-47 34 players were used, no doubt partly due to the fall-out from the end of the Second World War.

The previous second highest number of players used was 31 in the 1996-97 season which equalled the total number of players utilised in 1987-88.

However, Bower's expected bow will mean City have already used one more player than in 1998-99, with still 25 League games to go.

Compare that figure to the championship winning side of 1983-84, when only 18 players were utilised, and with the 19-man City squad that reached the Division Two play-offs in 1993-94.

Disappointing, below-par displays from a number of City players has forced York manager Terry Dolan to mix and match.

But an horrendous injury list has no doubt been the most decisive factor.

The number of walking wounded at Bootham Crescent has at least shown signs of easing in recent weeks.

Long may the trend continue so a settled side can help spark an upturn in fortunes.

IT COULD be you after York City this week announced another Leeds United link-up in what should prove a lucrative Minstermen money-spinner.

City have launched a new lottery scheme, Double Strike 505, to replace the current City Club 88 draw.

Run in association with Leeds, the new draw will see a dramatic increase in the weekly prize money for the same £1 a week stake.

Double Strike 505 members will now have the chance to win £505 from Monday to Thursday and up to £5,000 every Friday, with a host of consolation prizes also on offer.

City were offered the chance to work in partnership with Leeds and their well-established lottery and extends the close relationship between the two clubs - United currently play their 'home' reserve team fixtures at Bootham Crescent.

For further details about joining Double Strike 505 or anyone interested in becoming an agent, contact City lottery manager Sue Chappell on 01904 624447.

York City's injury-jinxed striker Neil Tolson suffered for his sport this week after another trip to the operating theatre.

The 27-year-old, now at Southend United, went under the surgeon's knife for a third time in as many seasons and gruesome it sounded too.

Tolson, who has made just seven appearances for the Shrimpers this term, had a pin inserted into his stomach to prevent the pelvic bone from moving.

Just as stomach churning was the fact Tolson stayed awake during the operation.

He said: "I was wide awake and listening to music throughout. It was better than being put to sleep."

Tolson hopes to return to training in the New Year and if his recovery goes well he should be available for selection when United visit Bootham Crescent on March 6.

CONTINUING the theme of former York City players, defender John Keegan grabbed a goal of the season contender as Scarborough's intermediates hammered Hartlepool 7-0 this week.

Keegan, who moved to the McCain Stadium earlier this season, hit a left-foot rocket from 30 yards into the far top corner of the net in the juniors Youth Alliance group stage match.

Later in the first half, Keegan grabbed his second when he collected a long cross to turn inside the 'keeper and score.

As reported in the Evening Press, Keegan, who made a couple of first team appearances for City last season, was snapped up by Boro who agreed to take over his trainee forms.