Several York City players rose valiantly from their sick-beds to face Crawley Town at the weekend.

Right-back Ben Purkiss couldn't even travel to West Sussex after being laid low by the virus that swept through KitKat Crescent last week.

Meanwhile, skipper Danny Parslow, David McGurk, Neil Barrett and late substitute Craig Nelthorpe each played through the symptoms. Unused replacement Adam Smith and assistant manager Andy Porter were also affected.

Foyle told the Press: “It was very hard work for some. I knew we would tire and it showed in the last 20 minutes.

“Dan Parslow and David McGurk are two of the fittest boys at the club, but they were on their knees after about 20 minutes.

“It’s hard to criticise those that played because, on another day, they could have pulled out.

“Everybody will now have a day off (Monday) because I want the sickness out of their systems and away from the camp.”