York City centre-back Darren Patterson has reportedly joined Second Division strugglers Oxford United.

Bootham Crescent confirmed today the Northern Ireland international was in talks with The U's but sources at the Manor Ground say Patterson has already put pen to paper on a one-and-a-half year deal.

Patterson was coming to the end of a short-term contract at City, having joined the club on trial last year having been without a club due to an Achilles injury.

Patterson will be Oxford boss David Kemp's first signing since he took over responsibility for transfers following the departure of Joe Kinnear to Luton.

Patterson, 31, played under Kemp at Crystal Palace.

City meanwhile are sweating on the fitness of midfielders Marc Thompson and Graham Potter ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Exeter City.

Potter is doubtful after twisting an ankle in Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe.

Thompson, suspended for the game with the Iron, also injured an ankle as City reserves were beaten 4-0 by Huddersfield Town at the McAlpine Stadium.

Fellow midfielder Lee Bullock boosted his fitness, coming through 75 minutes of last night's Avon Insurance League Cup tie. New signing Lee Nogan played the full match.

Chris Iwelumo, who left City after three months on loan, scored on his debut for Cheltenham Town in their 2-1 defeat by Mansfield last night.

York City intermediates meanwhile maintained their hopes of earning qualification for the Merit Division of the Football League Youth Alliance with a 2-0 win over Grimsby Town with goals from Gary Ormston and Marvin Boyce.

Updated: 18:02 Wednesday, February 14, 2001