YORK CITY player-manager Chris Brass felt last night's 1-1 draw with Leeds United marked another step in his new team's progression towards readiness for the forthcoming Conference campaign.

He admitted that the line-up against Leeds could bear a very close resemblance to the side that takes on Aldershot a week on Saturday with the manager, himself, struggling for a starting place.

He said: "Leeds' side was not, on paper, a team of all stars, but it was certainly a team who could potentially cut it at the highest level. We matched them for big portions of the game and that's pleasing.

"We have progressed from what we did against Doncaster and have improved every game. We are, by no means, the finished article but we are seeing some positive signs and some promising partnerships are being struck.

"Paul Robinson and Andy Bishop are starting to get an understanding having never played together while Chris Clarke and Steve Davis look like they have played together for years and we are looking for that all over the pitch.

"We are starting to see our so-called first XI but there's competition and people know that. Gary Pearson was not quite ready for Leeds but will come in the fold for Friday and it bodes well if players like him are knocking on the door. I will also have to crack the whip on myself if I am to get back in the team now!"

Brass added that he felt midfielder Darren Dunning, who also impressed against a Leeds team managed by former City player Steve Agnew and boss Neil Thompson, will benefit from carrying less burden for the team's overall performance than last season when he finished the campaign as captain at the age of 23.

The City boss said: "Darren had a bit of a dip in form at the end of last season but I think his first full season took its toll. He needed help around him and I think he's got that now and it will give him a new lease of energy.

"I think he will be able to share the work load he carried a lot of times in the latter part of the season and that will make him a better player."

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, August 04, 2004