JON Parkin is the latest York City player to be ruled out of the FA Cup first round clash with Swansea City later this month.

Parkin will be suspended for the game on November 16 after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Hartlepool last Friday.

The loss of Parkin, who reverted to centre-half against United and turned in an impressive performance, will be a massive blow to manager Terry Dolan as he strives to maintain City's lucrative FA Cup success of recent seasons.

Also ruled out for the Swansea set-to is skipper Chris Brass, Parkin's central defensive partner last Friday, who it had already been confirmed will serve a one-match ban after receiving his fifth caution.

On-loan winger Lee Cook has also been barred from appearing in the FA Cup for City by his club Watford while Dolan is still in talks with Sunderland as to whether striker Michael Reddy will be allowed to feature.

To make matters worse for City, Chris Smith, Scott Jones and Gary Hobson, the obvious replacements for both Parkin and Brass in the heart of the defence, are all currently sidelined.

However, it is hoped Smith and Jones, who are both suffering from hamstring problems, could return to training within the next couple of days.

And it is certainly not all doom and gloom for the Minstermen after a number of key players featured for City reserves in a 4-2 friendly defeat at Sheffield United yesterday.

Richard Cooper, out since pre-season with knee ligament damage, completed 45 minutes while Christian Fox also came through his first 90 minutes since suffering a knee injury at the start of the campaign.

Winger Jon McCarthy also completed 75 minutes and scored one of City's goals as he looks to prove his fitness and earn a permanent contract.

Trialist Neil Ashley, the former Nottingham Forest, Leicester and Bristol City midfielder, also impressed sufficiently to be invited to train with City for a week.

Brazilian striker Rogerio scored City's remaining goal against the Blades as City enjoyed a 2-0 lead midway through the first-half.

However, former Birmingham and Fulham striker Paul Peschisolido grabbed a hat-trick with Lewis Killeen also target after the break for United, who featured veteran keeper Simon Tracey and new loanee Jon Harley, the Fulham and former Chelsea full-back.

Updated: 12:01 Tuesday, November 05, 2002