The Football Association are investigating a new claim that Dean Windass bit an opponent.

The accusation from Bournemouth's Marcus Browning comes only weeks after a similar complaint by Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.

Browning reported the alleged incident in Saturday's game to referee Tony Leake. He decided against any action at the time but the FA have asked to see a copy of the match video before deciding whether to take it any further.

Bournemouth boss Sean O'Driscoll said he saw the clash take place from the dug-out and also claimed that substitute Andy Cooke spat at Brian Stock.

O'Driscoll added: "It was just frustration; he didn't take a chunk out of him or anything. I don't think Windass is that type of player.

"Marcus is experienced enough to take it in his stride. He didn't react like maybe a younger player would have done."

The bite claim just added to a sour day for City, who were beaten 2-1 despite leading at half-time through Danny Cadamarteri's first league goal since rejoining the club.

Defender Mark Bower headed an own goal to start the rot - and admitted City were well below par.

"We didn't play with our usual tempo and didn't hurt them. We know we can play much better," he said.

"But even though we weren't playing well, it still looked at one stage that we could grind out the result which teams who have aspirations for the top six can do.

"At least the Blackpool game today gives us the chance to put it right. This Bank Holiday last year we lost at home to Chesterfield and then went to Hull and put in a great performance for a great win.

"We're still in touch and there's no point in getting too down. If we can take the performances we've been putting in away into the Blackpool game then we can bounce back."

New signing Steve Claridge, who watched on Saturday from the Press box, could be thrown in straight away at Bloomfield Road.

City assistant manager Bobby Davison said: "We'll see what kind of nick he is in.

"But it's good to bring Steve on board because he will give us the energy we didn't have against Bournemouth and his work-rate is excellent."

l City face a Carling Cup reunion with former Valley Parade boss Bryan Robson. They go to Robson's West Brom in the second round on Tuesday, September 20.