WHATEVER the benefits of pre-season friendlies for managers and players, they are a minefield for fans (and journalists) to judge what impact the game will have on the forthcoming season.

Many a wrong judgement has been made by supporters on the strength of one friendly, so the only thing to do is to look at the cold hard facts.

And in the case of City's latest foray on to the Bootham Crescent turf, this time a 2-0 win against North Yorkshire rivals Scarborough, player-boss Chris Brass will have plenty of positives to work on.

Again, the 28-year-old opted to use the full 21 players at his disposal - with opening scorer Stuart Wise the lucky player to be handed the full 90-minute run-out - as he looked to give everyone as much game time as possible.

City's glut of new signings showed their value. Brass' babes of Bryan Stewart, Sean Davies, Adam Reed and Graeme Law proved they could be ready to take their chance when offered, while the trio of remaining trialists did their best to stake a claim of joining the Bootham Crescent revolution.

The pick of the new faces at City could well be Mitch Ward, with the former Barnsley midfielder shaking off his lack of recent training and match practice to put in a stylish display over 67 minutes.

His ability to constantly pick the right pass and hit the men in the box from free-kicks and corners will be a huge benefit during the season.

Another new face, defender Andrew Jordan, could well push Ward all the way, with the 6ft. 2ins. tall powerhouse putting in a storming display that kept Scarborough at bay and was only denied a goal by Chris Adams' headed clearance.

Liam George and Arron Wilford both worked tirelessly up front for little reward, while in the centre Darren Dunning showed some nice touches and a willingness to get stuck in.

Hoping to join the quintet in signing will be Stephen Downes, Craig Turns and Chris Porter. Former Grimsby defender Downes did his chances the world of good with a lively display at left wing-back. However, the fate of goalkeeping duo Porter and Turns must lie in the balance.

Neither of the former Sunderland netminders had much to do between the sticks, but there were a couple of alarming spells for Porter in particular - with Karl Rose almost netting after Porter and Wise left the ball for one another, only for Brass to clear off the line.

Whether or not Brass has another ace up his sleeve - and who knows following the shock capture of Ward on Thursday - he will know it is a problem that needs resolving soon.

In the second half, Brass' babes - although calling them that would be an injustice to the hard work of youth coaches Brian Neaves and Paul Stancliffe - were given their spell under the watchful gaze of the Minstermen faithful.

Law certainly looked worthy of a chance of a crack at the first team, while Davies' assured display at the back was rewarded with a well-taken headed goal.

Reed also did not put a foot wrong at the back with Stewart dogged in attack.

On the negative side, as well as the concerns for the 'keeping role, the lack of goals will certainly be a worry for Brass and player-coach Lee Nogan.

In three matches, City's three goals have come from a midfielder and two defenders - and despite all the graft of George, Wilford, Parkin and even Nogan, none of them looks capable of bagging 20-odd over the next nine months.

However, the arrival of Ian Lawson on trial today could well change that, with Thurday's visit of Livingston a more likely litmus test for City.

York City 2, Scarborough 0

Pre-season friendly (at Bootham Crescent)

York City: Porter (Turns 67), Edmondson (Law 54), Downes (Cooper 54), Wise, Jordan (Davies HT), Dunning (Brackstone HT), Brass (Reed HT), Bullock (Wood 67), Wilford (Nogan HT), Ward (Fox 67), George (Stewart HT).

Scarborough: Walker, Hotte, Adams (Yale 26 (Henderson 42)), Rose, Downey (Cook 87), Dudgeon, Gilroy, Price, Williams, Henry (Selby 67), Gill. Sub (not used) Hodgson.

Referee: Richard Hewitt (Scarborough).

Attendance: 1,152.

Updated: 11:08 Monday, July 28, 2003