York City's youngsters have got to learn to toughen up if they are going to make the grade in the Nationwide Conference.

Player-manager Chris Brass pulled no punches after Saturday's dismal 3-1 FA Cup exit at Carlisle.

Five teenagers started for the injury-ravaged Minstermen at Brunton Park with two more coming on off the bench in a boys against men encounter against a physically and aggressively tougher Carlisle.

Brass said that physical element must be stepped up if they want to turn things around in the league.

He said: "Carlisle's experience showed through today. I think the kidology, the cute side of professionalism of getting hold of somebody, maybe getting smashed in the face, which is all part and parcel of the game. Seasoned pros know what's happening and you don't do it intentionally to hurt someone but you just do it to rough people up and the kids learned that today.

"That was a pleasing aspect in that respect that they've learned they have got to toughen up. Certainly when we've come in at half time they've realised that they have got to get involved a little bit more and I think we were a bit more aggressive in our nature in the second half.

"We were winning more second balls, we were on top of people, we got involved in things whereas first half, we just sat off them."

But despite the veiled positives to emerge, Brass admitted his frustration at a result which represents an embarrassing new City record as being the first side not to make the first round proper draw since 1929.

He said: "It's disappointing to go out of the Cup because of the rewards but it's a good stepping stone for the boys.

"I hate losing and I don't accept that. Yes, we've been beaten by the two top of the league teams and that's where we want to be but we've certainly shown in spells that we can do that.

"Now I've got to make sure we understand that and we've got to be positive right from the onset and get into people.

"They've shown that they can hold their own for 25 minutes against Barnet and for 45 minutes against Carlisle and we have now got to turn that into 90 minutes against the lesser teams and you will expect us now to get the right results and progress in the right direction to where we expect to be in the league."

But despite the lack of presence from the teenagers, Brass reiterated his confidence in them.

He added: "I did expect to go a lot higher in the league than we are had everybody remained fit. I knew carrying a smaller squad this could happen but I also knew we had enough potential in the wings with the youngsters in order to progress but unfortunately they have all come at once and we are suffering a little bit for that.

"But I still have the belief in them and fingers crossed we will get a few more bodies back so they can realise their potential."

FORMER York City loan striker Jon Shaw was expected to be released by League One club Sheffield Wednesday today.

Shaw made eight appearances for the Minstermen last season but failed to score a goal.

Updated: 09:49 Monday, November 01, 2004