INJURIES to Graeme Law and David McGurk have added to York City's defensive headache.

Both players were crocked in separate incidents at the same time during last night's 2-1 Nationwide defeat at Morecambe.

Right-back Law limped off straight away with a 31st-minute hamstring problem which is likely to keep him sidelined for at least a fortnight.

McGurk soldiered on until half-time but was then taken to hospital with a rib injury, which could signal the end of his Bootham Crescent career.

Darlington had already indicated that the 22-year-old centre back was required after the expiry of his loan spell a week on Saturday because of injuries to their own defenders Joey Hutchinson and Curtis Fleming.

But McGurk is now unlikely to figure for the Minstermen against Canvey Island on October 16.

The new injuries compound an already worrying situation with centre-backs Steve Davis and Chris Clarke already sidelined.

Davis is due to have a hip operation today and Clarke is still struggling with a hamstring problem.

Brass said: "I'm hoping we will be able to get a team out against Farnborough on Saturday as we are carrying a small squad and Lee Nogan and Paul Groves also took knocks."

Groves, who has played in midfield all season, filled in for McGurk in the centre of defence last night with Brass replacing Law at right-back.

The injuries could mean a first taste of senior action this season for young defender Sean Davies at Farnborough where Lev Yalcin might also be in consideration for a starting place after ending his long wait for a Minstermen goal with a spectacular solo consolation effort in stoppage time last night.

Brass, who felt the penalty decision against himself was harsh, admitted he was disappointed a four-match unbeaten run had come to an end and that his side failed to perform in front of the Sky cameras during a poor second half.

He said: "We gave them a goal. The way they lined up with five at the back suggested they did not want to get beaten and I think people are starting to get a fear factor against us.

"They were trying to catch us on the break and, had we not conceded, I think we would have gone on to win. We had chances in the first half and their keeper made some good saves.

"In the second half, we had half-chances and lacked that bit of quality. We did not put the ball into good areas in the final third and were a bit too patient. We wanted to give a good display in front of the cameras but we only really gave one for 45 minutes.

"We had gone four unbeaten and now we must prove this is just a blip."

While City have struggled to cope with the drop down to the Concerence, the other relegated League side, Carlisle United, are flying.

They won 6-1 at lowly Leigh RMI, former City defender Tom Cowan getting one of the goals.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, October 06, 2004