York City were today forced to call on the Royal Air Force for help after a the big freeze put paid to training at their Wigginton Road base, writes Dave Stanford.

The Minstermen were being put through their paces undercover in the gymnasium at RAF Linton-on Ouse, a facility they have used in the past when bad weather has put paid to training outdoors.

Manager Neil Thompson said: "It is not ideal, but with the frost it would be a struggle to play outside and it is better than doing nothing at all."

And unless there is a sudden thaw, Thompson said City may train on the astroturf pitches at York University tomorrow.

The City manager travelled to his former stamping ground, the McCain Stadium, on Saturday to take in Scarborough's 3-0 win over Hereford United. Former York City junior Chris Tate made his second debut for Boro following his £80,000 return move from Halifax back to Scarborough.

The York-born striker laid on goals for Gareth Stoker and Steve Brodie, a player whom Thompson has expressed an interest in earlier this season.

York scouts were also out and about watching City's up and coming opponents, said Thompson, who revealed Steve Agnew missed training today due to illness.

City's next division three match is at Hartlepool on Boxing Day (Sunday, December 26) which kicks off at 1pm.

'Pool won 2-1 at Exeter on Saturday to move into the top half of the table.

Leyton Orient's 1-0 defeat at Macclesfield saw them drop to the foot of the table as struggling Chester beat Halifax 2-1.

City are in 19th place 11 points clear of Orient and nine ahead of Chester.

The annual general meeting of York City Football Club takes place tonight with the shareholders of Bootham Crescent Holdings invited to attend.

The meeting starts at 6.30pm in the Family Room at Bootham Crescent.

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