International glory was pouched by York City rookie goalkeeper Russell Howarth.

The teenager featured in England under-16s' friendly international match against Turkey in Izmir, where the young three lions' brigade won 2-0. Both goals were bagged by Barnsley's Rory Fallon.

Howarth's debut was for the last 20 minutes of the match and though he did not have much to do the 16-year-old, who is on academy scholarship terms with the Minstermen, was elated by his England baptism.

Now he hopes he can continue his progress towards the qualifiers for the European championships to be held in Cyprus in spring.

City manager Alan Little was thrilled by the youngster's call-up. "It's tremendous he got a taste of football at that level. He has done ever so well."

City's Second Division rivals Preston North End have called off their pursuit of striker Richard Cresswell it can be revealed today.

They have been scared off by the £1 million price tag which City have place on the 16-goal marksman.

North End deputy chairman Derek Shaw admitted: "York are adamant they want £1million for him, so I think that is an end to the matter was far as we are concerned.

"York won't budge. They are after £1 million and I certainly don't think we will be signing a player for £1 million at this stage. Our manager's valuation is less than that."

Sources at Preston said that Shaw and chairman Bryan Gray made a fresh approach to City for 21-year-old Cresswell after the striker starred in City's 1-0 defeat by promotion-chasing Preston at Bootham Crescent last Saturday.

The Preston camp claim that they bid £500,000 for Cresswell last week and upped their offer after Saturday's match.

City chairman Douglas Craig has denied that Preston, or any other club, have made a formal offer for Cresswell.

Meanwhile, City reserves return to action for the first time in 1999 when they entertain Hull City in the Pontin's League Cup today, kick-off 7pm.

While the Bootham crescent pitch is under snow it is soft underneath and playable, stressed manager Little, who wants some of his fringe-players to get a game under their belts.

City's ranks will include nine players boasting senior experience headed by playmaker Steve Agnew making his first appearance since damaging a groin in the FA Cup defeat at Wrexham five weeks ago.

"After the break they have had some of them are desperate for a game," said the City boss. City, who are fourth in the Pontin's second division, are also currently unbeaten in the league cup group stages.

City reserves: Mohan, Fox, Dawson, Reed, Rennison, Bullock, Agnew, Garratt, Prendergast, Tolson, Woods. Subs: Turley, Walters, Urwin.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.