Defender Andy McMillan has suffered an agonising blow.

Blow: Andy McMillan

The full-back has been ruled out of the rest of York City's season with a knee injury just eight games adrift of his 500th appearance for the Minstermen.

The 30-year-old player, who is currently in his benefit year with the Bootham Crescent club, will have to wait until the Millennium season to try to reach that barrier and then take a crack at the club's all-time appearance record held by defender Barry Jackson of 539 games.

Said McMillan: "I'm gutted. I thought I might get to the 500 mark, but the knee injury has stopped that.

"It's something that has been with me for a while, but it only worsened after the Wigan game. It's a sickener."

City caretaker-manager Neil Thompson confirmed the ill tidings, adding that McMillan had been told by a specialist to rest for a month, thereby effectively ending the stylish defender's season.

"It's an unfortunate blow for both Andy and for the team, but that's the way of football. Injuries are part of the game and we have to get by without him for the run-in."

Back in September, McMillan became the holder of the second highest number of games played for City when he featured in the 3-3 draw at Fulham. That took him past centre-back Chris Topping's record.

City's Supermac was an ever-present in the City ranks then. But his push on the record was blighted by an ankle rap that forced him out of the first three games of December. He also missed last month's League draw at Wrexham when he was axed for 'tactical reasons'.

However, he still had enough games in hand to reach the 500 mark this term, with the April 24 visit to Macclesfield earmarked as the major McMillan milestone.

Now though that record push is on hold for another five months until the start of the 1999-2000 season, which will be McMillan's 13th in City colours since his debut as a substitute against Mansfield Town in December 1987.

Meanwhile, trialist striker John Milner, made a telling impact for City reserves in the Pontin's League 2-2 draw at Newcastle United last night.

Milner, who this season has hammered 58 goals for FA Vase finalists Bedlington Terriers, laid on both City goals before he then suffered a facial injury when he charged down a clearance to force his substitution at half-time.

But City boss Thompson was excited by the striker's performance. "He played very well and I liked what I saw. He is definitely worth another look."

It was Milner's headed lay-off that led to winger Gordon Connelly drilling home a volley to put City in front at the Gosforth Rugby Stadium in front of a near 5,000 crowd.

The Magpies, fielding Swedish international Andreas Andersson, levelled almost instantly through Paddy Kelly before a Milner flick enabled Rodney Rowe to restore the lead.

City were denied a winner when Newcastle marksman Paul Robinson rifled in a second-half equaliser.

City club secretary Keith Usher today confirmed the club could not take any action over Lincoln City over their pricing policy for Sunday's Division Two game at Sincil Bank.

Many City fans bridled at having to pay £13 to stand in the away section in the Stacey West stand at Lincoln's ground, while home supporters could get seats in the main stands for the same £13 price.

Back at the City fans' forum a fortnight ago supporters, who reported encountering such 'discrepancies' in the charges of home and away followings, were urged to supply City with evidence if it happened elsewhere.

But Usher said the £13 admission at Lincoln was a blanket charge right across Sincil Bank. Even Lincoln fans, who stood behind their goal, had to pay £13, said the City official.

"It's very expensive," conceded Usher, adding the only concessions were for pensioners and children, who paid £8, and for the family stand, where admission was £10 and £6.

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