ALMOST 4,000 fans saw York City and high-flying neighbours Darlington fight out an entertaining 0-0 draw at Bootham Crescent.

Powerhouse striker Michael Rankine hit the bar and forced one-time Bootham Crescent trialist Adam Bartlett into two fine saves.

But the frame of Jon Worsnop's goal was also tested by Mark Beck and David Syers, while the City keeper displayed great reflexes to deny Dominic Collins, as both clubs pressed their National League North promotion credentials.

An exciting first half started at a fast pace with Hamza Bencherif and Amari Morgan-Smith both going close to getting a decisive touch on Sean Newton's inswinging, third-minute free kick.

Moments later, Beck headed against the outside of an upright for Darlington after James Caton had floated a left-wing cross to the far post.

But away keeper Bartlett was called into flying action on nine minutes, pushing a powerful 20-yard Rankine drive behind for a corner.

Louis Almond, Morgan-Smith and Rankine then combined to tee up Newton, whose firm 15-yard drive was well gathered by Bartlett.

A swift burst on 11 minutes, meanwhile. saw Darlo defender Collins lucky not to see red when, as last man, he tripped Morgan-Smith but, after referee Simon Mather consulted his nearest assistant, the offender was only cautioned.

Undeterred, City continued to forage forward and another Newton piledriver flashed past Bartlett's top corner following Rankine's lay-off.

At the other end, Josh Gillies shot wide with a 20-yard half-volley, whilst Alex Whittle couldn't direct a far-post header on target from Simon Heslop's right-wing cross.

On 20 minutes, great play by Adriano Moke saw him win a ball in midfield, skip over a challenge and then test Bartlett from 25 yards.

Next, Morgan-Smith fed an overlapping Newton down the left and his well-struck low cross was turned towards goal by Rankine, only for Bartlett to pull off a fine instinctive save.

Whittle also curled over from just inside the penalty area, Worsnop reacted brilliantly to keep out a Collins header after Gillies had raided down the left and Syers saw a deflected attempt safely gathered by the City keeper.

After Rankine headed Morgan-Smith's corner against the crossbar in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, though, City were cheered off vociferously at the break by an appreciative home crowd.

A cagier and more even start to the second half meant a wait until the 58th minute for the first goal attempt with Syers heading over from ten yards.

Persistent play by Heslop then led to an edge-of-the-box opportunity that Newton aimed just wide with his right foot.

On 66 minutes, Almond fed Josh Law down the right and his centre was met by a stretching Morgan-Smith, but the City striker couldn't keep his shot down.

Dan Parslow went on to rise high at the far post, but his header from Morgan-Smith's corner was caught by Bartlett.

For Darlo, sub Stephen Thompson fired inches over with a thumping volley after a loose ball by Moke played Law into trouble 30 yards from goal.

Rankine, meanwhile, saw a towering downward header from Parslow's deep cross bounce wide, while visiting winger David Ferguson tried his luck with a speculative 40-yard effort that flew just over.

Unconvincing efforts by Rankine and Almond followed, before Syers rattled Worsnop's left-hand upright with a fierce, rising 15-yard drive and Harvey Saunders lifted over from the rebound.

An 85th-minute Morgan-Smith corner to the far post was then headed wide by Newton and sub Aidan Connolly also saw a deflected attempt sail over, as City were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

City

Jon Worsnop: 8

Josh Law: 7

Dan Parslow: 8

Hamza Bencherif: 7

Alex Whittle: 7

Simon Heslop: 8

Adriano Moke: 7

Sean Newton: 8

Louis Almond: 7

Michael Rankine: 8

Amari Morgan-Smith: 7

Subs: Aidan Connolly (for Moke, 75), Sam Muggleton (for Rankine, 90+1).

Subs not used: Connor Smith, Kaine Felix, Jassem Sukar.

Star man: Parslow - kept things tight at the back

Darlington

Adam Bartlett, Chris Hunter, Dominic Collins, Gary Brown (Leon Scott, 46), Terry Galbraith, Josh Gillies (Stephen Thompson, 70), Phil Turnbull, David Syers, David Ferguson, Mark Beck, James Caton (Harvey Saunders, 59).

Subs not used: Ed Wilczynski, Scott Fenwick.

Referee: Simon Mather rating: 6/10

Booked: Collins 11, Newton 85

Sent off: None

Attendance: 3,944 (1,041)

Shots on target: City 7, Darlington 4

Shots off target: City 9, Darlington 5

Corners: City 11, Darlington 2

Fouls conceded: City 5, Darlington 7

Offside: City 3, Darlington 0