MANAGER Terry Dolan admits he could get used to the high-life after York City maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a thrilling 4-3 win over Torquay United.

The three-point haul lifted City up into second place behind Rushden & Diamonds in the early Division Three rankings, their highest position under Dolan's two and a-half year stewardship.

"It's been a long time," said the delighted City boss.

"We are making one or two mistakes which we are aware of but the positive side is we are scoring goals and looking positive when we go forward.

"It is only three games, but it is three games unbeaten and to be joint top is a nice feeling for the supporters."

City were 3-0 up early in the second-half and appeared to be coasting against United before three goals in ten minutes from the visitors threatened to turn the game on its head.

However, City refused to buckle completely and regained the lead on 73 minutes when Jon Parkin sealed the win with his second of the match.

Dolan refused to be too analytical over City's wobble and reckoned at least his team had once again shown their fighting spirit.

"The only excuse I can give is it's not often we have been 3-0 up at that stage in the game and we were not used to it. Let's hope we do get used to it and it doesn't happen again."

He added: "The players were certainly puzzled after the game having gone three goals up and then conceding three goals so very quickly. They were all very annoyed with themselves which is a good sign.

"But the most important thing is we picked up three points. The character of the team shone through again and we stuck at it and managed to get the winning goal."

Young midfielder Stephen Brackstone was also quick to praise City's new-found determination.

"We showed our character when we really needed to and came back well to get the three points. You need to play well but you do also need to show that character.

"The lads are all in it together, we all get on very well and that is showing out on the pitch.

"It is nice to be at the top end of the table and hopefully we can carry on picking up points."

Saturday's encounter was the first time since October 1997, when City beat Carlisle by the same scoreline, that supporters have celebrated four goals at home.

Peter Duffield, with his third goal in as many games, also became only the third City player in five seasons to score in three successive matches and the first since Barry Conlon in March 2000.

The only disappointing factor for City was the crowd of 3,203.

Although it was up on last season's average home gate it was more than 200 down on the midweek crowd that watched City beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1.

However, chairman John Batchelor refused to be downbeat and preferred to bask in the fact City are joint top.

"I'm ecstatic and if that sort of game doesn't bring the crowd in then we will need jump-leads," he said.

Boss Dolan meanwhile revealed Chris Smith was substituted on Saturday after feeling unwell.

"He had a stomach ache and felt dizzy at half-time. He wanted to carry on but when we got the second goal we thought it was the right time to take him off.

"It was very hot and although I'm an advocate of summer football if it comes I hope it comes in the evening and not in the afternoon because it was hard work."

York City's youth team were beaten 2-0 by visiting Scunthorpe United. City were the equal of their opponents and had two excellent chances to score only minutes before The Iron broke away to shatter the deadlock.

Updated: 11:19 Monday, August 19, 2002