A groin injury to inspirational skipper Tony Barras is the freshest blow to York City.

Barras has been plagued by the injury on and off for the last few months, but he aggravated it early on in the win at Bristol Rovers and was now battling to be fit for the trip to Preston North End on Saturday.

The fitness of winger Graeme Murty, who is due to see an hernia specialist tomorrow, is also causing concern to the City management.Said boss Alan Little: "Both players have been carrying these injuries for a while, but they have battled thorough the pain barrier.

"I just hope they can come through again for Saturday's match and then they will be able to have a rest with there being no more midweek games."

While Barras' strain is a setback to the defence, in attack City's options are increasing stealthily.

Gary Bull returned to action last night and was on target for the reserves in their 2-1 Pontin's League defeat at Rotherham United.

Bull's goal should have been at least trebled by team-mates as City ran riot in the first 45 minutes. But their inability to finish off chances cost dear as the Millers levelled just before half-time and then scored on the break in the second-half.

Another boost for City however was that striker Neil Tolson also featured for the entire second-half and showed no immediate reaction to his hernia injury. AGGRAVATED:

Tony Barras

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