MATCHWINNER Lee Cook is hoping for more of the same after putting York City's season back on track.

Cook marked his City debut with the game's solitary goal at Exeter City as the Minstermen secured only their second win away from home this season.

After two successive defeats, the victory lifted City up to seventh in the Division Three table and kept the Minstermen within four points of leaders Hartlepool United.

Cook, on a month's loan from Watford, told the Evening Press: "It is always nice to get a goal and hopefully there's more to come.

"I nearly scored another but it hit the post. It would have been nice to have started with two goals.

"But I'm sure there's more goals to come and more attacking play to come as well."

Cook, his goal being his first in the Football League, admitted the importance of the win could not be underestimated.

"I knew the boys had lost their last couple of games so it was important, especially after such a long journey, to go back with the three points," he explained.

"They are a massive bonus and they have given us a real lift to take into the next game."

And while the 20-year-old winger was an instant hit with the fans who made the long trip to Devon, Cook was quick to praise his team-mates.

"I've said already they are a good set of lads. They are good to get on with and good to play with," he enthused.

Manager Terry Dolan was delighted with the impact made by his new signing.

"Lee did well and he has given us something different, which we were hoping would be the case.

"He has come in and got the goal which was very pleasing, but he has also shown he has got plenty of ability.

"He has given us a spark from an attacking point of view. But we were also more solid from a defensive point of view.

"Exeter tried everything but we stuck at it and got the points."

Dolan said his only criticism was City's failure to take their chances and keep possession better in the second half.

"We created one or two chances but have not finished the game off, which means you are always a bit wary of one slip and all the good work is undone.

"But you can't be too critical. We got the three points which was the most important thing."

Dolan, who revealed Cook was substituted because of a tight calf but should be fit for Saturday's trip to Southend, said: "We are still four points off the leaders, so it was an important win.

"We have pegged back a few and pyschologically I think it's important we have got to 20 points.

"It has probably taken us a little bit longer than we wanted but 20 points from 12 games isn't bad and our next target is to get to 30 as soon as possible."

With Cook coming into the side one of City's three strikers had to make way and Dolan explained his reason for dropping Jon Parkin to the bench.

"I just felt with Lee coming in we wanted that bit more experience in Lee Nogan and Peter Duffield."

City reserves drafted in John Collinson in goal for today's Avon Insuranace League Cup round-robin tie at home to Barnsley after Russ Howarth was called up to the England Under-21 squad for their European qualifying games against Slovakia and Macedonia.

Updated: 10:39 Monday, October 07, 2002