Andy Collett is ready to challenge Michael Price for the Darlington goalkeeper's jersey after playing his first 90 minutes for three months.

Collett, sidelined since September with a punctured lung, conceded four goals yesterday as the reserves were beaten 4-2 at York City.

But despite the result, manager David Hodgson will have been encouraged by the news Collett reported no reaction to the injury.

However, Hodgson has already warned Collett that his place back in the side is far from assured after the performances of the vastly improved Michael Price.

Former Leicester stopper Price was brought to the club during the summer as cover following Chris Porter's departure.

However, in Collett's absence, Price has played 15 times this season.

Despite conceding 25 goals, the Tynesider has enjoyed a surge in confidence in recent games after some commanding displays.

Price is likely to keep his place for Saturday's visit of Macclesfield, with Collett expected to be on the bench for a second week running after his surprise inclusion in the squad at Cambridge last week.

Defender David McGurk staked his claim for a first-team return yesterday with one of Quakers' goals at Bootham Crescent, while young striker John Alexander did his chances no harm with the other goal for Martin Gray's men.

Quakers duo Barry Conlon and Ryan Valentine will serve the second game of a three-match ban on Saturday, but midfielder Clark Keltie is back in contention after picking up an ankle injury in training last week.

Macclesfield yesterday appointed John Askey as their new manager. Askey, who has guided the Cheshire side to three wins, three draws and a defeat in a caretaker role, succeeds Dave Moss, who was dismissed in October.

* Carlisle's goalkeeping coach Tony Elliott has left the club by mutual consent.

* Manchester City coach Stuart Pearce is ready to put his management ambitions to one side and commit his short-term future to the club.

Pearce, who skippered the Blues to the Nationwide League title two seasons ago, has been part of Kevin Keegan's coaching team since he ended his playing days 18 months ago.

He is currently on a six-month contract which allows his to talk with interested parties should any managerial vacancy occur.

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