FORMER York City midfielder Kane Ashcroft has died at the age of 29 after a long battle against cancer.

Ashcroft made four appearances, including three starts, for the Minstermen and played a starring role in a surprise 2-1 home victory over Carlisle when Viv Busby was manager during the club’s difficult first season in the Conference.

He picked up an injury soon afterwards and was later released at the end of the 2004/05 campaign by Busby’s successor Billy McEwan.