York City favourite Wayne Hall was today having an x-ray on an injured ankle after being crocked by former team-mate Alan Pouton.

Hall was stretchered from the pitch during City reserves' 2-0 defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town at Bootham Crescent last night.

Hall's injury followed a stiff challenge by ex-Minsterman Pouton, who after being booked for the tackle moments later received his marching orders for another foul on City junior Scott Emmerson.

Hall is now expected to be out for at least two weeks, although much will depend on the outcome of today's visit to hospital.

Despite being a man down, Grimsby raced into a 2-0 half-time lead before City upped the tempo after the break.

Another City junior, Kieran Darlow, had a goal ruled out for offside and City were unfortunate to hit the woodwork twice.

City were poised for another cash legacy today with Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse on the verge of joining Birmingham City.

The England Under-21 international's £1million switch to St Andrews depends on Birmingham striker Peter Ndlovu moving in the opposite direction.

Driffield-born Woodhouse, 20, started out as a junior at Bootham Crescent five years ago before moving to Brammall Lane.

Under an agreement reached by City and the Blades, the Minstermen are entitled to five per cent of any transfer fee over £15,000, so if the deal goes through City could rake in £50,000.

Updated: 11:51 Thursday, January 25, 2001