YORK City player-manager Chris Brass has challenged axed defenders Chris Clarke and Shaun Smith to win back their places.

The pair did not even make the bench for last night's game against Accrington Stanley after a series of recent disappointing displays culminating in Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Gavesend & Northfleeet.

Brass said: "I gave them another opportunity on Saturday because everybody has an off-game but unfortunately they had a little wobble again.

"I told them they had to take a look in from the outside because nobody's entitled to a shirt and they accepted that. They were still with the squad in our dressing room which is pleasing because it shows our togetherness.

"They wanted us to do well and know they will have to fight to get back in the side and that can only be good. I had to wield the axe and I am prepared to do that. That's why I'm here."

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, September 01, 2004