YORK City's hopes of keeping hold of Northern Ireland international Alan Fettis have been boosted by the news that Burnley have pulled out of the race for his signature.

But at the same time, Terry Dolan's reported bid to land ace marksmen Luke Beckett has been thwarted by big spending Chesterfield.

The news on Fettis, out of contract at Bootham Crescent having signed until the end of last season from Blackburn, will help soften the Beckett blow.

City boss Terry Dolan, who brought Fettis to the club in March, remains keen to maintain the 29-year-old shot-stopper's services and is waiting to see whether the fans' favourite returns from a post-season holiday wanting to put to paper.

However, the chances of his staying with the Minstermen have been raised now a switch to the Clarets - who emerged as the major rivals for his signature last month - has been ruled out.

Turf Moor boss Stan Ternant said he is no longer on the look-out for another 'keeper, despite the fact he has only one custodian with Football League experience on his books.

Number one Paul Crichton kept goal throughout all last season as Burnley gained automatic promotion from Division Two, with only teenager Craig Mawson in reserve.

It was thought Ternant would want to boost his goalkeeping cover, but has now said he is happy to stick with that duo.

Chesterfield have completed the signing of Beckett it was confirmed today. It was reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press and on our website www.thisisyork.co.uk, the Spire-ites were closing in on the Chester City hot shot.

Chester confirmed last week York were in talks with the 23-year-old marksman, who finished joint-second in the Division Three scoring charts with 19 goals last season despite Chester's relegation.

It is understood York were preparing to better the club record £140,000 they paid Burnley for Adrian Randall until Chesterfield, bidding to make a swift return to Division Two, tempted the Sheffield-based striker to move nearer home.