DESPAIRING York City fans were left hoping for a miracle today after the club's 2-1 loss to Yeovil left it teetering on the edge of relegation.

But club chiefs remained upbeat and urged fans not to give up the fight while there was a chance of survival.

Sophie McGill, York City's communications director, said the club would battle to the very end to stay in the Football League.

She reminded fans that only 12 months ago, the club was 30 minutes from extinction, and assured worried supporters that professional football would continue at Bootham Crescent - even if City were unable to beat the drop.

Last night's loss, played out in front of 2,802 supporters, leaves City three points from safety, with only three games left and a greatly inferior goal difference to teams around them. Their next game is away at the league leaders, title chasing Doncaster.

Ms McGill said: "We won't give up the fight. If there is still a chance, then we will still believe.

"Everyone was disappointed last night, because it was seen as an essential game we had to win, but we've got to put this situation into perspective.

"Twelve months ago, we were only half an hour away from playing football on Knavesmire."

Updated: 10:36 Wednesday, April 21, 2004