YORK City juniors got their Football League Youth Alliance campaign off to a flying start with a 3-2 victory over Hartlepool United.

Goals by Liam Shepherd, Alex Rhodes and Mathew Johnson secured the victory, which should provide a perfect fillip for coach Ian Kerr who used to head Hartlepool's youth department and is currently convalescing at home after heart problems.

Shepherd fired City in front with a left-footed volley from the edge of the box but the visitors drew level.

First-year professional Rhodes then restored the Minstermen's lead, tapping in after good work from Chas Wrigley and Johnson added a third with a great chip from an angle.

Hartlepool grabbed a second goal with 20 minutes to go.

Former Mansfield Town and Boston United coach Neil Richardson is currently looking after youth-team affairs in the absence of Kerr. He said: "The boys did ever so well and their attitude was first-class.

"They worked hard and, judging by their faces afterwards, they were delighted.

"The lads tried to play football and won every battle they went in for. I spoke to Ian and he was absolutely delighted.

"It's a shame he could not be there but I hope that he gets back as quickly as possible."

Richardson, 38, was signed for Rotherham from non-League outfit Brandon United by City boss Billy McEwan in 1989 and went on to spend ten years at Millmoor, making 226 appearances.

He finished his playing career at Mansfield before heading the youth department at Field Mill and becoming assistant manager.

The Sunderland-born defender then left for Boston United where he worked under ex-City boss Neil Thompson.

But, along with Thompson, Richardson was relieved of his duties when former Boston boss Steve Evans returned to the club after serving a ban from football.