Back on track York City could be ready to turn the corner after finally rediscovering the winning touch.

Goalscorer Neil Tolson, left, is hugged by Rodney Rowe after putting City ahead

And the change in fortune that brought about a richly deserved 2-1 win over basement side Lincoln City may help the luckless Minstermen end the year on a high note.

That was the message from manager Alan Little after City secured their first win in 10 league games at Bootham Crescent last night.

After a nightmare run of injuries, a double dismissal in the FA Cup defeat at Wrexham on Saturday and a string of missed opportunities to return to winning ways, it was somewhat ironic that an own goal should decide the battle of two of the division's strugglers.

That it was in York's favour was a hint that, for a change, things might be starting to go right.

Said a relieved Little: "It's been a long time coming. Own goals are often what turns it in football and it has for us. For all the chances we had it didn't look like it was going our way when they equalised. But we're grateful for anything, a win's a win.

"When you lose games like we've lost you can forget how to win. This will give us confidence to say we can go and get another win. I said this was the one that was going to set us off. It's nice to move up the table and get among the pack again. Hopefully it will be a springboard."

The own goal by Lincoln centre back Steve Holmes early in the second half may have proved the decider, but in truth City were comfortable victors.

With a three-pronged attack and the return of Tony Barras at the heart of the defence, City looked in complete control throughout.

But when Holmes cancelled out Neil Tolson's opener in the first half, the nerves were jangling once again.

"I thought we played particularly well in the first half and were in total control. It was only a matter of time for the goals to come," said Little.

"We're just a little nave and don't play our lines around the 18-yard box which you have to do. In the first half they were never in the game but they scored and put us on the back foot again. Then a little bit of fear creeps in and everyone's a bit wary.

"But the second goal was a great cross from Barry Jones and we've got our reward for it, even if it was an own goal."

After a run of two points from the last 27, victory was vital for City who now jump four places to a respectable 14th.

The win was a confidence booster ahead of a tough trip to Bournemouth on Saturday followed by the visit of Manchester City to Bootham Crescent.

And Little accepted just how important the right result was. "I asked the fans to be patient and they have. They got behind us tonight. This is a step in the right direction at last. If we can get another win we can turn it round again."

Little pinpointed young left back Martin Garratt as "the best player on the field by a mile" and also praised transfer-listed Barras who returned after missing the last four games with a hamstring injury.

Revealing that no clubs had shown any interest in the centre back, Little said: "He's a big influence on the team. He's come out of the treatment room and said he's had enough and wants to play.

"On Friday he said the hamstring was a bit tight, on Monday he's told me he's OK. Being a difficult game against the bottom team in the league, some players would have said they don't fancy it, but that's the character of the lad.

"He's lost his way a bit recently but he showed he's back tonight."

Watching brief for Barnsley boss

THE appearance of Barnsley manager John Hendrie at last night's Bootham Crescent clash has once again prompted speculation about the future of Richard Cresswell.

City's leading striker had been linked with the Tykes and Premier League Coventry City earlier in the season after his sparkling performances attracted the attention of several top scouts.

City boss Alan Little revealed in October that he had received several enquiries about the 13-goal youngster and though not confirming which clubs were interested, first division Barnsley were understood to be tracking him.

Also watching City's victory over Lincoln was Sunderland coach and former York City star Ricky Sbragia. But if the pair had turned out to watch Cresswell, his performance was unlikely to have encouraged them to tempt him away from Bootham Crescent.

He has not been hitting his early season form of late, a point which is acknowledged by Little.

"He's fighting with his game a bit at the moment. I don't think he's playing particularly well but when he gets in the right place he's always capable of getting something," said Little.

One player who may have caught the eye, though, is young left back Martin Garratt. The teenager produced a composed and mature display which left Little raving: "He's certainly got a little bit of something. He was by a mile the best player on the field."

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