YOUNG midfielder Leigh Wood goes in search of a notable hat-trick at Exeter City tonight hoping to seal a permanent place at the heart of the Minstermen midfield.

The cultured teenage playmaker won rave reviews for his display in the York City engine room in Saturday's 2-0 win over Darlington.

It was only the second start of the season for the 18-year-old, his only other such role this season coming in City's 2-1 win over Leyton Orient last month.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Wood admitted he was anxious to maintain his 100 per cent winning record but insisted he is more concerned with helping City climb the table and so establishing himself as a first team regular.

"I could be the lucky omen - but I'm not so sure about that," he joked.

"But I'm really enjoying it at the moment.

"I was quite pleased with how it went on Saturday. I thought the first half went really well but the second half was quite difficult.

"It was more of a grind but I thought we did well.

"The team just needs a few wins and we can really climb the table.

"For myself, I want to become more of a regular in the first team and be more consistent, working my way up.

"It's great to be in the first team and there are a lot of experienced players in there so that helps.

"I've been in and around the first team before, but I haven't actually been in the squad that much this season.

"There's only a few weeks left but we have got a lot of games coming up so it's a good time to get in and I'd really like to try and get a run going between now and the end of the season."

Wood was earmarked as one to watch almost two years ago when, aged just 16, he was named as a substitute in City's last game of the 1999-2000 campaign.

He had to wait until last season before making his full debut but as he comes to the end of his three-year scholarship with the Minstermen he has been bolstered by signing a professional contract.

Wood admitted it had been a massive boost to be offered the deal by manager Terry Dolan.

But he insisted even with his immediate future secure he would not be resting on his laurels.

And the play-making prospect was also thrilled that the club had been rescued by new owner John Batchelor.

"It's big weight off your mind and it's really nice to be rewarded for all your hard work," said the York-born teenager.

"It's been nearly three years leading up to it so it's really pleasing to get there.

"And it's great that the club has been saved. My contract was up so if the club had gone bust I would have been in trouble but everything has turned out well.

"You might think that pressure maybe off because I've got a contract.

"But I don't think that's the case - you always have to keep playing well.

"There is always pressure - you have to set your own standards and I try and play to those."

Updated: 11:20 Tuesday, March 19, 2002