YORK City manager Nigel Worthington has issued his support for goalkeeper Michael Ingham following his second crucial mistake in a month.

The 34-year-old net-minder fumbled a cross for Southend's second goal during the Minstermen's 3-2 defeat at Bootham Crescent last weekend.

It was an error that went on to gain greater exposure when it was included in Sky Sports' Fails of the Week compilation, which compiles football clips from all over the world.

Ingham was also at fault during his comeback game at Exeter, when he misjudged a cross after replacing the dropped Jason Mooney in the starting line-up during the 1-1 draw.

The former Northern Ireland international did, however, earn his side a point with a string of saves in last week's 0-0 draw against Luton and also kept a clean sheet when City shared the spoils at home to Wycombe.

Whilst admitting that Ingham had put himself under scrutiny with his pair of blunders, Worthington confirmed that the ex-Sunderland shot-stopper remains his first choice ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet League Two clash at Dagenham & Redbridge.

The City boss said: "I know we were all spoiled by Nick Pope coming in during the second half of last season but, what I would say, is everybody's entitled to make a mistake. If you make two mistakes, then the spotlight really falls on you.

"But they are genuine, honest mistakes. It's not as if he's chucking the ball in the net, so we have to live with that, work on things and give him belief.

"That's important because, as soon as something happens, you can't just wash away the dirty water and replace it with fresh. We've got to look at it in the cold light of day, across the board and keep calm, rather than making a quick reaction that might not come off.

"I don't think Michael's mental strength is an issue, because the older you get, the stronger you get, so he has got my backing and it's onwards and upwards and, hopefully, we will go to Dagenham and get a good result."

City are not expected to have any new faces in tow for the trip to Essex with Worthington still holding out on his first-choice loan targets.

"We have identified two players, but their clubs still have bumps and knocks, so we will go with what we've got at the moment and look to make things happen," he revealed. "I've had both players watched by scouts and know what they are like through the homework we've done.

"That has told us whether they will add something to us. We've also got our eye out in case anything else comes up."

The City chief has also called on certain players to lose the fear and nerves that have been evident in recent outings.

"I just want us to be positive and enjoy our football," he reasoned. "Some players look anxious and we've got to get rid of that, because you are always a better team if you are enjoying the game.

"There probably won't be many changes to the team, so we will go out and give it another go."

Worthington refuted suggestions, meanwhile, that playing away from Bootham Crescent might relieve some of the tension in his team, arguing: "As a player, I always preferred to play at home.

"Some players are more suited to playing away, but you have got to have mental strength to deal with both situations. Nine-and-a-half times out of ten, the pitch is green, there are white lines, corner flags, two goals and supporters, so there can be no difference other than your mental approach."

Despite a record of just one win from his side's opening 11 matches this term, Worthington is also remaining level-headed, insisting: "Nobody is more frustrated than me with our points return, but we have got to stay focussed, keep believing and work hard."