YORK City clinched a play-off place last night, barring a mathematical miracle, following a 5-0 thrashing of long-time, top-five contenders AFC Wimbledon.

Richard Brodie claimed a first-half hat-trick for the Minstermen, including two penalties, during the Blue Square Premier romp.

The 33-goal striker was joined on the scoresheet by Michael Rankine, who bagged a brace.

Of the teams outside the top five, only Crawley Town can now catch Martin Foyle’s men.

But the Sussex side would need to win all five of their remaining matches and hope City lose their last four, while also surrendering a superior goal difference of 28.

Declared City boss Foyle: “The front two were unstoppable starting off from the kick-off when Michael Rankine scored in the opening minute.”

On sealing a rousing finale to the campaign, he added: “It’s a magnificent achievement to get into the play-offs and anything can happen in those games.

“The likes of Oxford and Luton will be under immense pressure at home.”