York City manager Terry Dolan underlined his plan to wield the axe for Saturday's trip to Hartlepool by naming Matt Hocking in last night's reserve team line-up.

Hocking partnered Chris Smith in defence as the Minstermen's second-string went down 3-1 to Scunthorpe United.

Central defender John Fielding was a notable absentee, indicating the youngster could be poised for a first-team recall on Saturday.

City fell behind on three minutes when Steve Torpey raced clear to latch onto a Scunthorpe defensive clearance and fire home.

Alex Mathie, who completed another 90 minutes, went close to grabbing an equaliser on 17 minutes but hit his shot straight at the Iron 'keeper.

A superb individual goal from Scott Brough on 72 minutes and a tap in from Alex Calvo-Garcia six minutes later made sure of the win for Scunthorpe.

City managed a consolation seven minutes from time when Christian Fox, who played much of the match in a new role behind the striker, fired home Marc Salvati's cross.

Mathie also hit the underside of the crossbar in the dying embers.

Former City boss Alan Little has emerged as the front-runner to take charge at Halifax Town.

Caretaker bosses Neil Redfearn and Tony Parks have missed out on the job after chairman Bob Walker withdrew his offer.

Redfearn had wanted a two-and-a-half year deal to succeed Paul Bracewell.

Notts County, City's LDV Vans Trophy opponents on Tuesday night, have sacked boss Jocky Scott.

Chairman-elect Peter Storrie has claimed Scott, 53, was 'too-old fashioned'. Storrie is to become director of football with assistant manager Gary Brazil named as head coach.

Manchester United defender Denis Irwin has been linked with the managerial hot-seat at Macclesfield Town - who City play at the end of this month - after Gil Prescott 'moved upstairs' to become director of football.

Former York City striker John Williams was one of seven players 'sacked' by hard-up Swansea City.

Eight more players face pay-cuts of up to 70 per cent after new chairman Tony Petty claimed the club is losing £750,000 a year.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, October 11, 2001