LESSONS learned in rapid time helped fire York City into the fourth round of the FA Cup and seal a lucrative date with Premiership Fulham, according to defender Mike Basham, writes Dave Stanford.

The City lynchpin admitted the players were still smarting from last Saturday's disappointing display against fellow Third Division strugglers Torquay United.

Having gone in at the turnaround 1-0 up against United, City went off the boil and in the end were grateful to share the spoils with Torquay, who grabbed a draw with an equaliser ten minutes from the end.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Basham admitted having gone in at half-time 1-0 up against Grimsby last night the City players were determined not to stage a repeat showing against the Mariners.

"When we came in at half-time we were probably a little bit disappointed it was only 1-0. It should have been 3-0 or 4-0," he explained.

"It worries you a little bit that you might come out in the second half like we did against Torquay last Saturday when we were on the back foot.

"It is hard to defend for 45 minutes but I thought we came out this time more positively, a lot more positive than we were on Saturday and I think we hung on but it was always quite comfortable."

Basham added: "It was a superb all-round performance from the boys.

"It was important that we started the game well, which we did, and we put them under a lot of pressure

"Knowing we have now got a match with Fulham to look forward to gives everyone a massive lift and it can only be good for your confidence."

Basham admitted City must now transform their Cup form into the League, starting at Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday.

City have still to taste victory in the League since the end of October but can take solace in the fact they have now gone four games unbeaten.

"It is so frustrating because our League form is nowhere near our Cup form," said Basham.

"That is annoying but we are starting to get a bit of continuity at the back and I think that is starting to show.

"It does help if you get a bit of continuity and you are playing alongside the same players week in week out.

"You start to develop a bit of an understanding and that is what is happening.

"I have said in the past I haven't played as well as I can play but in the last three games I have picked up a little bit.

"Hopefully, fingers crossed I can maintain that."

Updated: 13:11 Wednesday, January 16, 2002