CHRIS Brass saluted his players after the new York City chief got his managerial career off to a flying start.

City's 2-1 win was the club's first opening day victory in four years and their first away from home in two decades.

Despite his day being marred by his own controversial dismissal, Brass insisted on showering his squad in glory.

"It was a great victory," enthused Brass.

"We wanted to get off to a good start away from home and get three points and we've done it. I'm delighted with the boys. They have done me proud."

Red cards aside, the City manager certainly endured a frantic introduction to player-management in searing-heat.

Lee Bullock, handed striking duties, bagged the fastest goal of the new season when he fired City in front after less than a minute.

Paul Raven equalised four minutes later but Lee Nogan's 12th-minute strike regained the initiative and ultimately sealed the points.

After his own sending-off on 34 minutes, Brass admitted he was delighted the way his side, featuring no fewer than five debutants, rallied to the cause even without their boss.

"Everyone has come out with credit and they have proved to me what their standards are," said Brass.

"They have matched my beliefs in them and it is up to them to maintain that.

"It showed the team spirit is not just me. I came off after 35 minutes and the ten boys left out there did York City proud.

"I'm delighted to get off to a win, that's what I wanted, and the boys have done it for me."

Brass revealed he was forced into making some late changes to his side after international clearance for striker Liam George, formerly with Irish League side St Patrick's, failed to come through in time.

"It is something that is going through with UEFA at the moment and hopefully it won't be a problem and it will be sorted some time next week.

"It was something we were aware of and hoped it would have been sorted out by Friday. You can't play a man unless you have a green-light and it was an unfortunate 11th-hour hitch.

"Liam would have played but the other boys who have come in have done well and have the shirt now.

"You can't ask for anything more - a good defensive display and both strikers score."

York City's youth team were held to a 1-1 draw with Grimsby in their opening Youth Alliance North-East Conference game. Bryan Stewart fired City in front five minutes into the second half only for visiting Grimsby to level with 15 minutes to go.

Updated: 09:51 Monday, August 11, 2003