Russell Howarth could only laugh after his loan move to York was blocked by the Nationwide Conference.

City's back-up stopper was ready to answer a goalkeeping SOS at his home-town club by playing against Morecambe on Tuesday.

But Conference chiefs stepped in to prevent the switch six hours before kick-off.

"I was just going to bed to get my head down for a couple of hours before the game," said Howarth.

"I just had to laugh about it when I got the call because it's typical of my luck.

"I'd signed the papers that morning to go there for a month, the financial side was sorted and I was looking forward to playing again."

He had been contacted by York boss Billy McEwan on Saturday night after regular keeper Tom Evans was sent off.

Under UEFA rules, clubs are not allowed to use an emergency loan to replace a suspended player - but the Football League had already okayed the loan before the Conference put their foot down.

And because the league had signed off the papers at their end, Howarth, pictured, even found himself barred from sitting on City's bench against Carlisle.

"There was a 24-hour call back which meant I wasn't allowed to play for Bradford on the same day, he said.

"So I started the day ready to play for York and ended up completely in limbo. It's unbelievable really."

McEwan was forced to throw in untried 20-year-old keeper Arran Reid as York were beaten 3-2 but has promised to keep tabs on Howarth in the future.

Howarth said: "I do feel for the young lad because obviously he didn't have the best of times on his full debut. I'd have loved to be in his place but it wasn't possible.

"Billy will bear me in mind next time but I am back to the drawing board again. But at least somebody showed an interest and my name is now out there as available to go on loan."