YORK City boss Terry Dolan has been hit by a massive triple blow ahead of Saturday's Division Three clash at Rochdale, writes Dave Stanford.

The Evening Press can reveal winger Jon McCarthy is currently in talks with Division Three rivals Carlisle United about a possible move to Cumbria.

Fellow winger Lee Cook has also been laid low by a chest infection, while defender Scott Jones is suffering from a stomach bug.

The loss of McCarthy would be a bitter blow for manager Dolan and the City faithful, who have hailed the homecoming of one of Bootham Crescent's favourite sons.

McCarthy received a hero's welcome in the 3-2 win over Leyton Orient earlier this month, but that remains his only first-team appearance for the Minstermen since returning to the club on non-contract terms.

Dolan was today keeping a diplomatic silence as to the reasons why McCarthy may be seeking pastures new.

However, the current financial uncertainties currently surrounding the club have probably played a part.

As well as the possible loss of McCarthy to Carlisle and Cook and Jones to illness, the City manager will definitely be without skipper Chris Brass and Jon Parkin at Spotland.

Both Brass and Parkin will miss the trip across the Pennines because of suspension.

In brighter news for the City boss, the club's reserves battled back from a goal behind to beat Scunthorpe 2-1 in a top of the table Avon Insurance League division one (east) clash.

Two successive defeats had seen City lose top spot to United prior to last night's Glanford Park clash.

And the Iron looked well set to extend their advantage in the table when they took an early first half lead.

However, Christian Fox netted a superb second half equaliser for City with a curling free-kick.

City's fightback was completed when Craig Wilding seized on a scuffed goalkeeping clearance to fire home a stunning winner from just inside the Scunthorpe half.

Updated: 11:55 Thursday, November 21, 2002