No matter how unlikely relegation remains for York City, until the trapdoor is firmly bolted shut it will continue to linger and cast its dark shadow.

The laws of probability say it cannot happen but Maine Road is still too fresh in the minds of Minstermen everywhere for it to be ignored just yet.

Of course, today's game with Oxford United offers a quick chance for City to bounce back and cut free the shackles once and for all.

But as this afternoon's game gets underway it would be no surprise to see City players still kicking themselves for not putting the fear factor already to bed.

The three points were certainly there for the taking against a tame Macclesfield team with nothing left to play for.

And sections of the disgruntled travelling City support vented their disappointment at a missed opportunity in no uncertain manner at manager Terry Dolan.

City have certainly played a lot worse this season.

But the very fact they scored a superb goal, played some sweeping pass and move football on occasions and dominated possession for long spells yet had nothing to show for it, merely added to the sense of frustration.

But with top scorer Michael Proctor missing again, City lacked the cutting edge, change in pace and arrogant swagger the on-loan Sunderland striker always provides.

It meant City were in control for long spells but for all their prodding and probing had no real sharpened spike to burst through the Silkmen's defence.

The game had the air and grace of an end of season dreary game but burst into life when City took the lead on 17 minutes with a goal that was particularly easy on the eye.

From Darren Edmondson's throw-in, a super-quick, super-slick interchange of passes from Lee Nogan and Alex Mathie released Lee Bullock, who timed his run from deep superbly.

The young midfielder showed great composure and strength to hold off a Macclesfield defender before curling the ball into the roof of the net beyond Steve Wilson.

Unfortunately for City, such a glorious goal was soon forgotten as within 90 seconds Macclesfield drew level.

Matthew Tipton was given far too much room and time on the edge of the City penalty area and after a drop of the shoulder, a twist one way then the other, the striker was able to fire a left-foot shot across the face of the City goal and in at the far corner.

Despite the setback, as the half wore on City continued to enjoy the greater possession and pass the ball better.

The three Lees of Wood, Bullock and Nogan in particular, were at the hub of City's brightest moments as Macclesfield were led a merry dance.

One move just minutes before half-time saw every outfield City player barring Matt Hocking and Scott Jones touch the ball, culminating in a one-touch pass from Chris Brass out wide to Graham Potter, who did likewise to release the ever-dangerous Bullock.

The young City midfielder drove his shot across the face of the Silkmen's goal and just beyond the late arriving Jon Parkin at the far post.

Inevitably, Macclesfield started the second half with more gusto and it took two great saves from Alan Fettis, first to deny Lee Glover's stiff drive and then Tipton's close-range half-volley, to keep the scores level.

But they didn't stay level for long as just before the hour mark Macclesfield took the lead.

City's determination to pass rather than hoof provided their downfall as one pass too many in midfield saw possession lost.

Glover played the final ball through to Chris Byrne, who burst into the box before tumbling very readily as Scott Jones closed in.

Contact seemed minimal but Glover promptly rifled the resultant spot-kick into the roof of the net.

City continued to retain possession well but chances remained few and far between as both Parkin and Bullock missed what at best could be described as half-chances.

Macclesfield came close to rubbing salt into the wounds just minutes from time as Tipton shrugged off Jones and shot again across the face of the City goal.

The ball beat Fettis, but hit the inside of a post and fortuitously bounced back into the arms of the City shot-stopper.

Fettis clutched it tightly but for City the three points had by now slipped through their collective fingers.

City juniors beat Bradford City 2-0 on Saturday in the northern section of the Football League Youth Alliance.

Macclesfield: Wilson, O'Neil, Ridler, Welch, Tinson, Adams, Byrne, Lambert, Munroe, Glover, Tipton Subs (not used): Martin, Woolley, Carr, Brackenbridge, Aldridge

Bookings: None

Sent-off: None

Scorers: Tipton 18, Glover 59 pen

City: Fettis 7, Edmondson 6, Hocking 6, Brass 6, Jones 6, Potter 6, Bullock 8, Wood 7, Mathie 6 (Brackstone 55m, 6), Nogan 7, Parkin 6 Subs (not used: Howarth, Basham, Fox, Laws

Goals: Bullock 17m

Bookings: None

Sent-off: None

Scorers: Bullock 17

City Man of the Match:

LEE BULLOCK - Another goal and another powerful all-round display. Ran his socks off, tackled, won headers, passed well and offered a goal threat.

Attendance: 1,928

Referee: Mike Pike (Barrow)

Updated: 12:24 Monday, April 01, 2002