York City 1, Wrexham 1

Having fallen behind to an early Jamie Tolley goal, the Minstermen’s Sabbath clash seemed to be following a familiar pattern with Gary Mills’ side enjoying long periods of possession but struggling to find an end product.

Once the City boss moved lively loan signing Ashley Chambers closer to target man Michael Rankine, however, the hosts looked a far greater attacking threat.

Almost immediately, Rankine won a header that led to Chambers earning a penalty, which was duly converted in typically unnerving fashion by the powerful frontman.

The pair then both tested previously underworked away ’keeper Chris Maxwell in the closing stages as City almost snared maximum points for the first time since September.

Having observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day, City’s fans might be forgiven for forgetting what it’s like to celebrate a league win but, if Chambers can provide the cutting edge that has been missing since the summer departure of Richard Brodie as yesterday’s performance suggested he might, then it will not be too long before the club begins moving away from the Blue Square Bet Premier’s lower reaches.

Barring the second half of his first game against Bath, City have certainly looked more comfortable on the ball than any of their opponents since Mills’ arrival. Against Wrexham, the former Tamworth manager also displayed a tactical flexibility in the application of his favoured 4-3-3 formation, realising if he is to persist with the system he might need to employ somebody nearer to Rankine.

The 6ft 3in striker’s strength at City has always been his ability to unsettle opposing defences and, in turn, create space for a team-mate to capitalise on.

Brodie profited to the tune of 37 goals last season and it is to be hoped that Chambers might now benefit from Rankine’s physical presence during his temporary stay from Leicester City.

With the likes of David McDermott, Peter Till and Danny Racchi all capable of flitting around anywhere in the final third of the pitch, Mills can also make that tweak without compromising his commitment to 4-3-3.

Chambers’ fellow debutant Robbie Weir, meanwhile, made a busy and purposeful start to life at Bootham Crescent too, winning several telling tackles and looking not dissimilar to the departed Alex Lawless in his willingness to receive the ball and seek a decisive pass.

The Northern Ireland under-21 international almost looked to be trying too hard later in the game, however, visibly beating himself up after the odd stray through ball or wild shot. He will, no doubt, become less anxious though when he settles in his new surroundings.

Racchi, whose set-piece execution was a little disappointing, forced the game’s first save on nine minutes when his free-kick was smothered by Maxwell.

But it was the Dragons who forged ahead in the 14th minute.

A strong run by Andy Mangan at the backpedalling Daniel Parslow ended with a pass that found Tolley with a surprising amount of space in the penalty box and he beat Michael Ingham with a firm shot from 12 yards.

Chambers, who started the game on the left flank, embarked on a terrific raid down the opposite flank moments later for City and his cross was headed down to Weir by Racchi but the Sunderland midfielder’s shot was blocked.

Disappointingly, City’s only other first-half efforts were long-range Racchi pot-shots.

Chambers, who was switched to the right after half-time, drove wide from 20 yards within seconds but the hosts struggled to create any more openings before he was moved inside from the wings.

On 71 minutes, holding midfielder Djoumin Sangare fluffed a decent chance when he missed the target from 15 yards after being given a clear sight of goal.

A rising edge-of-the-box drive by Chambers then warmed Maxwell’s hands before Weir booted a rushed 30-yard attempt out of the ground.

Moments later, Ingham launched the ball forward and Rankine won his aerial challenge to release Chambers in the penalty box.

When Curtis Obeng tripped the former England under-17 international, Rankine then maintained his 100 per cent success rate from the penalty spot for City, sidefooting firmly to Maxwell’s left as the Wrexham keeper dived in the opposite direction.

Substitute Chris Carruthers, who enjoyed a strong outing in his latest cameo performance since returning from injury, delivered a dangerous cross seconds later that an unmarked Chambers headed inches wide.

A powerful, swerving shot by Rankine was also beaten out by Maxwell before Ingham was called on to make his second – and last – save of the match, gathering Jay Harris’ 30-yard drive after Weir had surrendered possession in his own half. There was still time for Chambers to test Maxwell with a 25-yard drive in stoppage time but City were forced to settle for a point.

Having to rely on a Rankine penalty to secure that draw might sound like a familiar story but the encouraging finale did offer hope that City can find the necessary firepower to improve their recent points return, which now amounts to three from a possible 21.

Match facts

York City 1, Rankin, pen 79
Wrexham 1, Tolley 14

Key: 10 – Faultless; 9 – Outstanding; 8 – Excellent; 7 – Good; 6 – Average; 5 – Below par; 4 – Poor; 3 – Dud; 2 – Hopeless; 1 – Retire

Michael Ingham 7
Daniel Parslow 7
David McGurk 7
Greg Young 6
James Meredith 6
Djoumin Sangare 6
Robbie Weir 6
Danny Racchi 6
David McDermott 6
Ashley Chambers 8
Michael Rankine 6

Substitutions: Chris Carruthers (for Racchi, 75), Michael Gash (for McDermott, 90). Not used: Barrett, Fyfield, Constantine.

City’s star man: Chambers – a very encouraging debut, looking a bright spark throughout.

Wrexham: Chris Maxwell, Curtis Obeng, Marvin Andrews, Mark Creighton, Chris Blackburn, Dean Keates, Jay Harris, Jamie Tolley (Adrian Cieslewicz, 55), Nat Knight-Percival, Gareth Taylor, Andy Mangan (Andy Morrell, 75). Subs not used: David Brown, Johnny Hunt, Mathias Pogba.

Booked: Blackburn 34, Young 43, Harris 57.

Referee: Richard Wigglesworth (Doncaster). Rating: interpretation of what did and did not constitute a foul was puzzling at times.

Attendance: 2,601 (317 away fans).

Run of the match: Chambers’ positive first-half burst down the right that led to a good chance for Weir.

Cross of the match: Substitute Carruthers offered a reminder of his lethal left foot when delivering a fine delivery on to Chambers’ head.

HEAD to head

Robbie Weir v Dean Keates

The 21-year-old City debutant did not look daunted by being pitted against experienced former Walsall and Peterborough campaigner Keates. Weir’s enthusiasm saw him win several early tackles and Keates’ impact was limited to set-piece situations for most of the match.

The Northern Ireland under-21 international lost a little confidence after the break but still did not allow his 32-year-old opponent to impose himself on proceedings.

Shots on target: City 5, Wrexham 2.

Shots off target: City 7, Wrexham 4.

Corners: City 7, Wrexham 4.

Fouls: City 12, Wrexham 19.

Offsides: City 2, Wrexham 4.