YORK City boss Colin Walker intends to welcome Kettering Town hero Chris Beardsley back to the fold in a fortnight's time despite the Blue Square North leaders' bid to extend his loan stay.

Beardsley has scored five goals in three games since joining the Poppies in a one-month loan deal.

Braces in his first two games - home victories over Solihull Moors (6-1) and Harrogate Town (3-1) - were followed by another goal during Saturday's 2-0 win at Hucknall Town.

That prompted Kettering boss Mark Cooper to inquire about the possibility of Beardsley staying for a longer period.

It is understood Kettering fans are even considering donning fake beards in an effort to persuade the former Mansfield and Doncaster forward to prolong his spell at the Northamptonshire club.

But Walker has signalled his commitment to honour a promise that he will provide Beardsley with the opportunity to prove his first-team worth when he returns to KitKat Crescent following the Minstermen's home game with table-topping Aldershot a week on Saturday.

The City chief said: "I spoke to Chris after Kettering's game on Saturday and he said it was a scrappy win, but it can only be good for us that he's scored five goals in three games.

"Kettering have inquired about keeping him but I made a promise that after his month was up he would come back and get a good go with us and I intend to keep my promise."

Beardsley, 23, will be eligible to play for Kettering in their next two games at home to Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday and at Alfreton Town the following weekend.

He has yet to score a first-team goal for City after joining the club in the summer following his release by Rushden and Diamonds, although he has been restricted to just four starts.

Beardsley struggled with injury at the start of the season and was then sidelined for ten weeks after sustaining a fractured jaw in an incident that has led to Grays defender Jamie Stuart being charged with grievous bodily harm.


Match facts: Grays v City

* This is City's first cup trip to Grays.They have not lost on their three Conference visits to the ground.

It happened on January 15:

1954: David Dunmore scored the goal in a 1-0 win at Stockport County. It was City's fourth victory on the trot and they had moved away from the bottom of Division Three North.

1960: A 2-1 win at Halifax Town, with Norman Wilkinson, pictured, and Charlie Twissell on target. It was only the second away win of the season and City were in the bottom half of Division Three (League One).

1965: City came from two goals down to beat Chester 3-2 at Bootham Crescent watched by 5,118. The scorers were Andy Provan (2) and Dennis Walker. It was the 11th League game without defeat (nine wins, two draws) and City were third in Division Four.

David Batters