ONLY a miracle will do it now - or a plot twist left over from an old Roy Of the Rovers' story.

York City have only the slimmest mathematical chance of winning promotion. Sadly, the figures are just not likely to add up.

However, City boss Terry Dolan was right to defend his players so stoutly.

What an astonishing, fate-dodging season this has been. And through all the off-field agonies, the players have done their best, even playing on when they have not been paid.

So bravo, Minstermen - and poor show to the ungracious few fans who booed on Saturday.

Updated: 10:51 Monday, April 28, 2003