THE English cricket 'Barmy Army' may have been silenced by the Aussies, but Harrogate Railway's 'Baaaaaa-my Army' has had plenty to bleat about.

As reported in the Evening Press, the supporters responded to comments about Yorkshireman involving cloth caps and sheep by adopting the farmer's favourite as an unofficial mascot.

The travelling faithful took a number of inflatable sheep down to Slough Town for the first round tie, and now the Rail-mad group are set to 'ewes' them again for the visit of Bristol City.

And plans are afoot for a real grass-grazing ovine to lead them out against the Robins, la the Hereford bull.

The club were being a bit sheepish when asked about the plan, but a source did say: "We've had the inflatable ones, but on Sunday we could have, let us say, a more mobile one, but nothing has been confirmed yet."

Meanwhile, assistant boss Mick Margis has praised the Rail fans for the lift they give the squad.

"The supporters have been fantastic," he told the Evening Press. "They need a cheer from us.

"When you have got the vocal backing it really gives you a lift. We are not a noisy team, but it gives the lads a real buzz to hear the support.

"Hopefully we can keep a few of them coming back week in, week out."

Fans' leader Andy Hope could miss out on the game after being taken to hospital this week. The Railway squad send their best wishes for the speedy recovery.

- Winners of the Evening Press-Sky Sports Harrogate Railway - Bristol City tickets competition were Brian Smith, Whenby Grove, Huntington; G Kay, High Street, Starbeck; Andrew Hornby, Tang Hall Lane, York; M Commons The Village, Strensall; James Wright, Curlew Glebe, Dunnington.

Updated: 11:49 Saturday, December 07, 2002