YORK City will be without midfielder Steve Bowey for tonight's home clash with Stafford Rangers after deciding not to appeal against his three-match suspension.

Bowey was red-carded for violent conduct in the 90th minute of Monday's 1-0 victory at Rushden and Diamonds after he clashed with right-back Glenn Wilson.

The 32-year-old midfielder has claimed that his flailing arm made contact with Wilson only because he was spun around by the Rushden player.

But the incident has not been captured in full on the match DVD and the referee's report is, therefore, the only evidence available.

Bowey will miss tonight's home match with Stafford, next Saturday's trip to Crawley and the KitKat Crescent clash with Morecambe on Tuesday, September 12.

Manager Billy McEwan is disappointed with the loss of the dynamic midfielder but felt an appeal would have been futile.

He said: "We looked at the footage from the game and it wasn't conclusive. The camera caught a bit of the incident and then followed the ball so you could not see the alleged offence.

"Appealing would have been a waste of £300. I have spoken to Nigel Clough this week and Burton appealed against their red card here last week and lost and I thought that sending off was harsh."

Bowey's place is likely to be taken by the versatile Anthony Lloyd, who has previously filled in at left-back, or Martyn Woolford - yesterday's deadline day signing from Frickley Athletic.

The change will be City's first to their starting line-up after five games of the new season.

Visitors Stafford are also expected to make their first change of 2006/2007 by recalling centre-back Craig McAughtrie.

McAughtrie missed the start of Rangers' Conference campaign but has recovered from a thigh injury and looks set to return against the Minstermen having played as a substitute in Monday's 3-0 home defeat against Aldershot.

But left-back Nathan Talbott is doubtful with a hamstring problem, which will mean that Liam Murray is likely to switch from the centre of defence in his absence.

Striker Nathan Smith, who was the club's second top scorer last season, is still sidelined with a knee injury which he suffered in a motorbike accident.

Stafford train three times a week and continue to operate on a part-time basis following their promotion last season via the Conference North play-offs.

Tonight's squads

City (probable): Evans, Craddock, Dudgeon, McGurk, Peat, Convery, Panther, Bishop, Lloyd, Farrell, Donaldson. Subs: Reid, Greenwood, Woolford, McMahon, Parslow.

STAFFORD (probable): Williams, Sutton, Daniel, McAughtrie, Murray, Gibson, Murphy, Street, Downes, Grayson, Madjo. Subs: Quailey, Lovatt, Alcock, Edwards, Olaoye.

REFEREE: Andrew Halliday (Catterick).

KICK-OFF: 7.45pm.