GOALKEEPER Ian Surgeoner and match-winner Kevin Atkinson were the heroes in the Fans Match at Bootham Crescent.

Telemarketing agent Surgeoner kept a clean sheet after pulling off a string of outstanding saves for Chris Brass' Reds team before Atkinson smashed in a spectacular, last-minute goal from 25 yards to clinch victory.

Atkinson's effort gave manager Brass an overdue victory after his City side failed to win any of their last 20 League matches in the fateful record-breaking run that ended in the Minstermen's relegation to the Conference.

Brass also enjoyed a run-out on the pitch just hours after returning from the 0-0 draw at Swansea but lost an entertaining midfield tussle with City's Rod Stewart lookalike managing director Jason McGill as the first half drew to a close.

City's 1993 Wembley heroes Andy McMillan, Wayne Hall, Jon McCarthy, Ian Blackstone and Gary Swann also played alongside the two sets of fans, who had raised more than £10,000 for the Supporters' Trust to take part.

Play-off final manager Alan Little took charge of the Blues' team, who would have been deserved winners had it not been for Surgeoner's heroics.

Little's Wonders shaded a cagey first half with Paul Worthington combining well with his team-mates, showing some good touches and creating a couple of half-chances for himself.

An excellent move down the left also saw Richard Willcock break into the box but fire narrowly wide.

Surgeoner kept Brass' Babes in the match with a super reaction save from Blackstone early in the second half and Dylan Hildreth also impressed in the Blues' goal, confidently collecting crosses delivered by the likes of Hall, Brass and McCarthy.

But two more fantastic Surgeoner saves followed while Nick Gonsalves and Pete Brandon went close at the other end before thunder-footed Hall hit the woodwork from the edge of the box.

Penalties loomed with 30 seconds left but a determined Atkinson, who once went six years without missing a City game and previously raised £4,000 for the Trust on a sponsored walk, let fly with an effort that rocketed into the top corner.

The drama did not end there, however, with Blackstone brushing the back of the netting from the restart with an audacious attempt from the halfway line.

City right-back Graeme Law was among the 550-strong crowd at the match, which was excellently organised by Steve Ovenden and Kirsten Gillies, who are considering making the game an annual event.

Match ratings:

Chris Brass XI ratings: Ian Surgeoner 10, Richard Groves 7, Nick Cartwright 7, Pete Brandon 8, Nick Gonsalves 7, Andy Meek 7, Richard Middleton 7, Paul Hunter 7, Kevin Atkinson 9, Alex Beddingham 8, Neil Hunter 8, Richard Coaker 7, Jimmy Hutchinson 7.

Alan Little XI ratings: Dylan Hildreth 9, Mick Davitt 7, Phil Neilson 7, Neil Smith 7, Tim Sowerby 7, Geoff Hughes 7, Robert Holly 8, Richard Willcock 8, Paul Worthington 9, Matt Mingay 7, Tim Wright 7, Jason McGill 8, Mike Brown 5 (and that's generous), Paul Tomes 7.

Star Man: Ian Surgeoner - outstanding performance and was last seen running down the street with Chris Brass in pursuit holding a pen and a City contract in his hands.

Updated: 09:28 Friday, May 14, 2004