YORK City player-boss Chris Brass has called for on-loan strikers Jon Newby and Richard Offiong to make a name for themselves between now and the end of the season.

Huddersfield forward Newby and Newcastle reserve Offiong are yet to find the net since joining City before last month's transfer deadline and Brass wants both players to show they are dedicated to the Minstermen's fight againt relegation.

Brass' comments would also appear to apply to short-term signing Andy Bell, who did not make the bench in last night's 2-0 defeat at Cambridge United after being substituted on 50 minutes in the previous game against Macclesfield.

Former Liverpool youth-team striker Newby started in attack for the first time at Cambridge while Offiong was used a second-half substitute and, afterwards, Brass said: "Going on loan is about carving out an opportunity so you either get a contract with us or go back to your club in a stronger position and they have got to know that we are fighting for our lives. We stressed that on Sunday and said you have got to make sure you are fully aware of the situation we are in.

"If they are not aware, there are people there who will show passion and commitment and they will play instead. I think people are taking that on board now and there will be two results for all the rest of the teams around us before we play again so we will know what we need to do on Tuesday night when we play Bury."

Last night's defeat, in which Richard Hope was also sent off for a last-minute second bookable offence, saw City fail to move out of the relegation zone and meant Cambridge moved six points clear of the Minstermen.

Brass, though, was encouraged by his players' fight if not their quality, saying: "The pleasing thing was we showed a bit more fight and commitment.We were still a bit lacking in quality and perhaps that is to do with confidence because of the run we are in.

"We felt a bit unfairly done by for their first goal, which might have been offside, but these things happen. We did not capitulate like we have done in recent weeks though.

"The fighting spirit is still in the dressing room and we have to take that into the next three home games because they are vital. Having taken nothing from Cambridge, Bury on Tuesday night now becomes a must-win."

Cambridge's victory was secured by a David Merris own goal when goalkeeper Mark Ovendale palmed the ball on to the left-wing back's shins after Chris Smith had earlier given away possession for Luke Guttridge's controversial opening goal.

Ovendale was only called into action on one other occasion and Brass lamented: "They did not carve us open and it was from two half-mistakes that they got their chances."

Equally, home goalkeeper Shaun Marshall only had one save to make at the other end - a weak Richard Cooper effort.

Referee Kevin Friend is also unlikely to count Brass as a new pal after the City boss said: "I was disappointed in one or two of his decisions, which I thought were strange. It's not an excuse and I don't go looking for excuses but I certainly do feel we did not get the rub of the green on a great deal of decisions and that can be vital. It certainly did not help our cause.

Updated: 10:12 Saturday, April 10, 2004