YORK City midfielder Christian Smith is one booking away from suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season at Altrincham.

Smith was punished despite appearing to win the ball cleanly during a hefty challenge on Chris Denham, which saw the Robins’ winger limp out of the action on Tuesday night.

It was the former Wrexham utility man’s second caution in three games for the Minstermen and, while he is cup-tied for Saturday’s FA Trophy trip to Kidderminster, he must avoid having his name taken in any of City’s five league games during February to escape a one-match ban.

Smith’s City team-mates Mark Robinson, Daniel McBreen and Mark Greaves have also been shown four yellow cards this season and need to avoid further censure before the March 1 cut-off point.

Skipper Greaves is unlikely to be affected, as he is expected to be sidelined for five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Top scorer Richard Brodie, meanwhile, is only a couple of cautions short of a two-game suspension.

Eighteen-goal Brodie has been booked eight times and will sit out two matches should he reach ten before April 12.

* Don’t miss The Press tomorrow for a full preview of York City’s FA Trophy trip to Kidderminster Harriers.