Luckless York City striker Marc Williams has been dealt another fitness blow.

The Welsh 'B' international was due to compete in a friendly outing against Chesterfield yesterday.

But the plan to step up his fitness was scuppered when he reported an abscess on his back. he was today seeing a specialist about how best to get it treated.

It's the latest in a series of setbacks for the 26-year-old Williams, whose season has yet to catch alight. He had an operation on a knee injury during the summer which hampered his pre-season programme.

Preparations were further snagged by a virus which drained his fitness for several weeks. Now with that cleared Williams' back problem has flared.

Said City boss Neil Thompson: "He's not having the best of times, but hopefully it will get sorted out today."

Thompson himself featured for the full 90 minutes of the training match against the Spireites which City won 3-1. With no reserve fixtures this week there were also valuable run-outs for striker Rodney Rowe and midfield prospect Lee Bullock.

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