LAST Saturday's 2-1 home defeat against Exeter bucked a trend in York City's matches this season as the team that scored the first goal went on to lose the game.

Now, the Minstermen will be hoping to win a match in which they concede the first goal, which they have failed to do for more than two years.

Thursday marked the second anniversary of the Minstermen's last comeback - a 3-1 home victory over Cambridge United on March 10, 2003.

Terry Dolan was then City manager, the club were in administration and Chris Brass was the only player on duty that is still on the Minstermen's playing staff although teenage keeper David Stockdale was on the bench.

Jon Parkin, Lee Nogan and Anthony Shandran were the marksmen and three of the 14 players and substitutes have since left the club.

So much has changed in the past 24 months, of course, not least a takeover by the Supporters Trust, three managerial appointments, relegation from the Football League and the fight to win back Bootham (sorry KitKat) Crescent.

However, during all that turmoil and progress, City's inability to win a game in which they have fallen behind has remained a constant factor.

This season, in each of the 36 games prior to Exeter's visit, aside from the extra-time Conference Cup defeat against Accrington Stanley, whichever team opened the scoring never failed to lose.

Jon Maloney's 37th-minute goal against the Grecians, though, brought no reward for Billy McEwan's men.

In the 13 previous matches when a Minstermen player has been the first name on the scoresheet, the team has gone on to win ten and draw three while, likewise, on the occasions the opposition have broken the deadlock, 18 matches have been lost by City and only two drawn.

There have also been two goal-less draws against Northwich Victoria and Canvey Island.

City have conceded the first goal only once during McEwan's five-match reign, going on to lose 2-0 against Woking.

The Scotsman will no doubt be interested to see how his players respond if they concede the first goal again at Halifax on Monday night.

City's last team to achieve that feat was: Michael Ingham, Darren Edmondson, Chris Smith, Chris Brass, Scott Jones, Tom Cowan, Richard Cooper, Lee Bullock, Jon Parkin, Lee Nogan (Anthony Shandran), Graham Potter.

Subs not used: David Stockdale, Gary Hobson, Stephen Brackstone, Alex Mathie.

Updated: 11:26 Saturday, March 12, 2005