ADRIANO MOKE reckons it can get "smiles better" for York City after finally breaking their duck under Gary Mills.

The Minstermen's 1-0 win at relegation rivals North Ferriby United was their first since Mills took over from Jack McNamara in October with the club in deep National League trouble.

It ended a run of 17 league games without a win and was also the first away victory since September 2015, ending an unwanted club record-equalling sequence stretching back 35 games.

Midfielder Moke is now hoping, with that particularly monkey off their backs, more three-point hauls will quickly follow and his goal of "putting smiles on faces" is achieved.

"With that first win our confidence will go even higher," he said.

"If we keep working hard, one win will lead to another and another.

"It's about getting points. We can play badly but as long as we get results that's the important thing, to get us out of the relegation zone."

Asked about the mood in the camp, the 26-year-old said: "Everyone's fine and looking forward to kicking on.

"We don't want draws, it's time for wins and that's what we're targeting from now until the end of the season."

The festive double-header against North Ferriby - the sides meet again at Bootham Crescent on New Year's Day - was pinpointed as crucial in City's survival bid, but Moke said: "I don't think it's just these two games.

"Every game from now to the end of the season is important to get away from the relegation zone, stay in this league and then push on next year.

"We've got to keep working. We were bottom but we had a serious chat about things and we know we need to get out of the relegation zone. I believe we can do it and so do the boys."

Moke, a part of Mills' promotion-winning City side of 2012, returned to Bootham Crescent in November, after spells with Cambridge United, Macclesfield, Wrexham, where he also played under Mills, and Boreham Wood.

He says he regretted leaving Bootham Crescent, and settled back in quickly despite the changes over the past four years.

"The first time I was here it was a mistake for me to go," he said. "I wanted to prove myself. I think I need to stay at one club now rather than go there, there and there, but we'll see what happens.

"I want to keep performing and we'll see where it takes us.

"Being here before, I knew a few faces having played with or against them. It's been good and I'm enjoying it.

"There have been changes compared to when I was here last but they're a good bunch of lads as well now. It's a new team but we're getting there.

"When I was last at York I was a young lad but I've now played a lot of games in the Conference and I'm much more experienced and I know more about the league. I was more of a 'super sub' player before but now I want to be out there playing and use my experience."

With a nod to his red card against Dagenham & Redbridge, he added: "I've matured more in this league... apart from that sending-off, which was silly of me. I'm enjoying playing and working hard for York."

As for a third spell under the City manager, he said: "I thank Gary Mills every time. He gave me my first senior debut at York. He brought me in and he believed in me.

"At Wrexham as well I played 32 games (under Mills). He's made me the player I am. I'm more confident and I'm enjoying it.

"If it wasn't for Gary I don't know where I'd be. But he wants me to keep improving and I know there are parts I need to improve.

"I always like to put smiles on people's faces. We're going through a sticky patch but I've still got to focus on what I came here to do. It was nice for him to bring me back to try to put smiles on faces again."