York City should have had reason to be grateful for controversial referee Joe Ross as they prepare for tomorrow's trip to Oxford United.

Chingford official Ross was the man in the middle who denied City an injury time leveller against Exeter City at Bootham Crescent last month, blowing for full-time just before Graham Potter's shot hit the back of the net.

City will take on an Oxford side ravaged by injury and suspension tomorrow and had Ross had his way it could have been even worse for United.

Ross brandished three red cards - including one to manager Mark Wright - during United's 1-0 home defeat to Scunthorpe United last month which left defensive linchpin Phil Bolland and striker Paul Moody facing suspensions tomorrow.

However, both players appealed against their dismissals at the hands of Ross and yesterday won their cases, meaning both will now be able to play tomorrow.

However, Oxford still have three players banned and six senior players ruled out through injury.

Definitely sidelined with suspensions are Scott Guyett and Wayne Hatswell, who would have formed Oxford's back three with Bolland, and midfielder Martin Thomas.

Former York City defender Darren Patterson, striker Andy Scott, winger Joey Beauchamp, central midfielder Paul Tait and central defender Jon Shephard are all ruled out through injury.

Despite the unexpected return of Bolland and Moody, with just 17 senior players available, manager Wright still has major selection problems which could force a change from his preferred 3-5-2 formation to 4-4-2 tomorrow.

The red-scarred rumpus comes just after United finally ended a run of seven games without a win with last Saturday's 1-0 triumph at Hartlepool.

Updated: 11:58 Friday, November 02, 2001