Red for relegation is flashing for York City as manager Alan Little pleaded for a united front.

Marching season: City's Mark Tinkler, later to be sent off for disputing a decision with the referee, hammers the ball away from Bristol Rovers striker Jason Roberts

Out: Tony Barras

City's seventh defeat in nine games was posted in Saturday's 2-0 reverse at Bristol Rovers to leave the Minstermen just three points clear of the Second Division relegation places. And all but one of the seven clubs below City have at least one game in hand to tighten the screw.

To deepen their despair Mark Tinkler was red-carded for the third time this season. After already accumulating ten cautions the midfielder-cum-central defender is destined to appear before an FA disciplinary hearing before the end of the campaign.

Sorry City's season is heading for jeopardy confirmed Little, but it could be changed if there was a pull towards collective responsibility, he added.

"The danger signs are there - everybody can see them. No-one can deny those signs and what the long-term implications may be," he sighed.

"But in the short-term this is all about concentrating on the next few games. The reaction now has to come from everyone connected with York and what all of us are going to do. It's not about what players people like, or whether they like me, or how they view what the club is trying to do.

"This is about sticking together and getting out of danger. That's the most important thing."

Substitute Rodney Rowe, who set aside 'personal reasons' that threatened his participation at the Memorial Ground, took up the unity call. He said: "We can all hear what the fans are saying. But we don't like these results as much as them. We've all got to dig in and get the win to lift us starting against Blackpool tomorrow."

Rowe was at the centre of the penalty controversy that led to Tinkler's expulsion for a second bookable offence.

After referee Ray Olivier waved away claims for a foul on Rowe in Rovers' area, Tinkler pursued the official to protest vehemently.

Already cautioned he was dealt a second yellow card to be sent off.

It was Tinkler's third dismissal this season after sendings-off at Wrexham in the FA Cup and then at home to Preston in January.

Declared Rowe: "It was a penalty, no doubt. The lad grabbed me back by the shoulders and I would have been clear. I also ran to the ref. There were a few of us, but 'Tinks' was singled out. I think the second booking was a bit harsh."

The dismissed Tinkler agreed it was a stupid act, but added it was purely in the heat of the moment at what he deemed an injustice.

And manager Little added: "There's no mileage in arguing with referees. But you could understand the lad's frustration as that penalty could have got us back in the game. That's what we're not getting at the moment - the breaks."

Barras out in the cold

Defender Tony Barras looks to have played his last game for York City.

Barras, who is contract deadlocked with the club, was a surprise omission from Saturday's game.

Manager Alan Little said it was because the central defender was expected to be at another club in the summer.

Explaining that he had discussions with the former City captain about the decision to axe him, Little added: "We can't reach terms with Tony over his contract.

"He won't be here at York City next season and so I want the boys who are going to be here then.

"It's no disrespect to Tony. But if his future is elsewhere then I want fully committed players. I'm not saying Tony is not fully committed, but I am going with the players who are still going to be here."

Barras was transfer-listed when initial talks broke down over a new contract to replace the terms that run out this summer.

But only two weeks ago the defender told the Evening Press he had submitted a revised list of terms explaining that he had no wish to leave the club for which he has starred since his £25,000 move from Stockport County in the summer of 1994.

Now it looks likely that the 27-year-old centre-back is to be frozen out at Bootham Crescent.

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