YORK CITY boss Russ Wilcox described his side’s morale-boosting 2-0 win over Tranmere Rovers as “a bit special”.

Wes Fletcher’s brace lifted the Minstermen out of the League Two relegation places, and saw City record only their second win of the season at Bootham Crescent.

Wilcox hailed the display – arguing City could have won by “four or five” – and expressed his hopes that it could be the start of a run of results that lifts the club up the table.

“It has been doom and gloom, understandably so when you drop into that relegation zone, but the performances have been there,” Wilcox said.

“Dagenham was really disappointing but, apart from that, we have been okay. That was a bit special. We got right at Tranmere, got right in their faces and played some football and created numerous chances.

“I don’t think anyone would have complained if we had won by four or five. We hit the post twice in the space of a second, had shots on target.

“They had one shot on our goal and that was in the 94th minute. It was well deserved. I am delighted for everybody but it is feet on the ground.

“There is a long way to go, lots of twists and turns left and highs and lows. If we stick together as we did against Tranmere – and the fans played a huge part in that because it has been nervy at home – hopefully that will set us off now on a good run.”

Wilcox added: “It was a terrific all round performance. I don’t like to single people out but I think you have to. I thought Wes Fletcher was the catalyst for our performance. He was the change.

“It was interesting – it was tongue in cheek and as long as people know that – I said to him on Friday ‘you score a goal or I am going to kill you’.

“It’s obviously worked. I think it is what Wes has needed. Every striker needs confidence and I think getting the goal kicked him on. He was brilliant.”

Wilcox also sang the praises of Brad Halliday, the on-loan defender-turned-midfielder who bossed the centre of midfield along with skipper Russell Penn.

He explained: “He was impressive. He is full of energy, which he probably should be at 19, but he is intelligent as well. Anyone can run about and be a nuisance. He has got other qualities as well. He’s good with the ball and makes good decisions for a young player.

“I was absolutely delighted with him, along with the rest of the lads. It’s important it is not just about certain individuals. It’s important it is about the group – and that’s not just the 11 – and that we all stick together now through this next period.

“It’s been difficult. We knew January was going to be really tough anyway. We’ve not got what we deserved in recent weeks. That’s a fact. Hopefully that will change now.”

But Wilcox also warned: “We’ve done nothing yet. It’s one win. It’s a key win - a massive win against a team around us. The focus was getting the three points that we knew, without looking at any scores, would guarantee us jumping out of that bottom two.

“Psychologically now for the group, hopefully that gives everyone a boost.”