York City reserves suffered a 2-0 defeat at Hull City but manager Terry Dolan still received a massive three-star boost.

Fans' favourite Jon McCarthy came through 60 minutes unscathed as he seeks to prove his fitness and earn a permanent Bootham Crescent contract.

In further good news for City, long-term injury absentee Christian Fox also managed an hour as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury.

Fox was replaced by Richard Cooper, who has been out of action since pre-season with knee ligament problems, and the former Nottingham Forest starlet also came through his first action of the season unscathed.

Manager Dolan said the return to action of both Fox and Cooper was a major fillip for the club while he did not rule out McCarthy being involved in some capacity at Hartlepool on Friday night.

"Jon did well and there was no problem injury wise. We will see how he is today but whether he will be involved on Friday. I don't know yet.

"To have both Foxy and Coops coming back from injury is also good to see and so although we lost the game it was very beneficial in a lot of ways," said the City chief.

Anyone wanting to go on the York City travel club coach to the Division Three match at Hartlepool tomorrow night should contact the club shop (tel 0870 7771922 ext 4) as soon as possible to book a seat.

The fare is £9 for members and £11 for non-members. The coach leaves Bootham Crescent at 5pm.

Updated: 12:36 Thursday, October 31, 2002