York City's miserable run in the LDV Vans Trophy continued with the 2-0 defeat at Notts County in midweek.

It is now almost five years since City last won a match in this competition, under whatever title it then proclaimed.

Often, this much-maligned contest is dismissed as a needless distraction from the bread and butter of the League.

Indeed, the lowly crowd - little more than 1,000 strong - that witnessed Tuesday's encounter proves just what the public think of this competition, that only ever comes to life in the regional finals and final.

However, for all the lack of success, the trophy's importance to City in previous seasons cannot be underestimated.

In recent years, it has had a nasty habit of biting hard to leave a nasty scar.

Three years ago, a 4-2 horror show at Halifax saw the Minstermen, then on the fringes of the Division Two play-offs, slump alarmingly and ultimately into the basement of the Football League.

The season before last, a 1-0 home defeat to a 'reserve' Hull City team sounded the death knell for Neil Thompson's short Bootham Crescent reign. He went on to win just one more game before losing his job.

Last season, an horrendous 4-0 home defeat to Darlington not only knocked City out of the competition at the first hurdle yet again but preceded a run of just one point from a possible 21 in the League that took the Minstermen alarmingly to the bottom of the pile.

It must be hoped then this most recent defeat will work in reverse, drawing a line under City's recent problems and kick-starting a renewed push for the top-half and play-offs.

At least Tuesday night's exit, as disappointing as any defeat is, was nowhere near as harrowing as Hartlepool last Saturday or their knock-outs of seasons past.

It may only be a crumb of comfort but in these testing times it is one City must feast on.

GIVEN all the furore surrounding the blowing of referee Joe Ross's full-time whistle against Exeter City earlier this month, a decision that denied City a point, it was worrying to see when the man in black blew for half-time in midweek.

The referee at Notts County, Richard Beeby, signalled for half-time with the electronic scoreboard showing just 44 minutes had passed.

Of course, the length of the game is decided by the man in the middle and the man in the middle only.

But when you consider Richard Cooper had been booked in the first half and there was all the usual stoppages to take into consideration, it seemed a very strange call to say the least.

TIME is running out for City fans wanting to get their hands on a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Author Garry Beckett has already taken more than 50 orders for his book, titled York City Memoirs, which regales City's history through the eyes of ex-players.

Now, with only a month to go before the book heads to the printers, Beckett is issuing a final reminder to supporters to order their copy.

New contributions from ex-Minstermen are arriving at his Surrey home all the time, the most recent coming from Mick Granger, Kevin Randall, Paddy Atkinson, Jon McCarthy and Gary Swann.

"I'm also hoping to interview John Byrne, as I would like to have the partnership of Walwyn and Byrne back together again for the first time in 17 years," said Beckett, who secured big Keith's contribution early-on in the project.

Among the other Minstermen legends featured are Jack Pinder, Alf Patrick, Sid Storey, Norman Wilkinson, Barry Jackson and Chris Topping.

There are also contributions from Keith Houchen, Steve Tutill, Paul Stancliffe, John Ward and Paul Barnes.

"I've done a few calculations and between them all the contributors have amassed 5,300 games for City, scored over 800 goals and contain some eight former club-men of the year among their ranks," said Beckett.

To pre-order York City Memoirs, send your name, address and telephone number, together with the number of copies you require, to: gjb publications, 37 Cambridge Road, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2AU.

The book is priced at £7.50, plus £2.50 for posting and packaging (per order, not per book). Cheques should be made payable to gjb.

It can also be ordered over the Internet via www.geocities.com/ycfcmemoirs/details.html

YORK City Ladies continue to make progress after coming from behind to salvage a point from their clash with Thorpe United.

York took the lead against a side that beat them twice last season and finished third in the League through Charlene Woodward just before half-time.

However, just past the hour mark and Thorpe scored two quick goals to turn the match on its head.

Deep into stoppage time, City grabbed a deserve leveller through Lisa Smith.

The City Ladies are in action again tomorrow when they travel to take on Silsden.

Also in action tomorrow are the Yorkie Bars, City supporters brought together by the Internet, who take on Ayr United in the first round of the IFA Cup.

The match kicks-off at Oaklands Sports Centre at 2pm.

THE City Travel Club coach for Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday will leave Bootham Crescent at 3.30pm. Prices for the trip are £13 for members and £15 for non members.

The coach for Oxford United on Saturday, November 3, will set off at 10am. Prices are £15 and £17.

For further details, telephone the club shop on (01904) 624447 ext 4.

IT WAS only the briefest of stays, but City's outgoing commercial manager Simon Cawkill says he leaves Bootham Crescent with fond memories.

"I am genuinely sad things haven't worked out but I would like to thank all the nice people who I have met and worked with during my short time here," he said.

Cawkill was with the club for just ten weeks, having replaced James Richardson in August with Richardson now running the club's official website and editing the match-day programme.

The vacancy left by Cawkill's departure has been advertised and anyone interested in the post should send their CV and a covering letter to Keith Usher, The Secretary, York City Football Club, Bootham Crescent, York YO30 7AQ.