YORK City's goalkeeping crisis ahead of Easter Monday's trip to Accrington Stanley eased today.

Current number one Chris Porter has been receiving treatment on a knee injury sustained in the last minute of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Tamworth.

Both Porter and Tamworth's Tris Whtiman were injured when the City 'keeper saved bravely at the home striker's feet.

Porter's understudy David Stockdale was also replaced on the bench for that game by junior stopper Arran Reid and has been suffering from a groin problem.

It was feared earlier this week that both goalkeepers could be doubtful and that manager Billy McEwan would look to the loan market for a replacement.

The City boss said: "We are still keeping a close look at both of them before we decide what to do. But they are responding well and should be okay."

Fortunately, the Football League's transfer deadline of tomorrow does not apply to Conference clubs.

The Conference have until March 31 to bring in new players - even from the Football League - which means McEwan could delay decisions on possible targets until the weekend although paperwork requirements over the holiday period could be a problem.

City would also have to send one of their current short-term loan players Jon Maloney or Ben Jackson back to Doncaster Rovers to bring in any new signings.

All clubs are permitted just two short-term loan players on their books at any one time.

Maloney's loan ends after the Accrington match while Jackson is due back at Belle Vue in the first week of April.

Top scorer Andy Bishop could return at Accrington after missing the Tamworth game because of whiplash in his back and neck after a car accident.

The 22-year-old striker has been swimming and visited a chiropractor at McEwan's former club Derby County and was today back at KitKat Crescent.

Monday's trip to Accrington will be a difficult one as Stanley moved up to fourth place last night with a 2-0 win at Canvey Island.

Updated: 11:18 Wednesday, March 23, 2005