One battle down, nine to go, declared a relieved caretaker-boss Neil Thompson.

Strike force: Neil Tolson (above) and Marc Williams who had starring roles in City's 2-1 win at Lincoln

Savouring the jubilation of a first York City win for 85 long days Thompson praised his Minstermen for their resistance and defiance.

The Sunday special 2-1 victory at partners in distress Lincoln City lifted York away from the Second Division relegation dogfight for the first time in many weeks.

City improved their standing by two places to 17th, widening the gap between themselves and the bottom four.

But Thompson also warned this was only the start, venturing that City must be prepared for nine more scraps as they attempt to close down the campaign clinging on to their cherished status.

"That was real football out there. On a bobbly pitch and in a strong wind it was not pretty, but it's the nitty-gritty. We have to compete with that."

Registering their first three point-haul since beating Wycombe two days into 1999 had provided a massive fillip to morale, he added.

"This victory has been so important, so vital. It should give the players the belief they can now turn it around," he enthused.

"It's such a major boost to us all at the club and I could not fault one single player out there for their endeavour."

While loathe to single out any of the City heroes, who battled their way back from a Lincoln opener within four minutes of the match starting, Thompson was quick to praise the efforts of his new strikeforce of Marc Williams and Neil Tolson.

"When you have someone up front as direct and as pacy as Marc, who is willing to put his body in, then you are always going to get some joy. His goals were terrific," crowed the caretaker-boss.

"Tolly too was excellent. You have to remember he has been out injured. But his touch up front was much better today and he did a lot of work in defence too."

Apart from the opening spell when City were 'caught cold' by the Imps' Paul Miller to go 1-0 up, Thompson said his defence had starred, none more than veteran Chris Fairclough.

"He was organising and talking and someone like Martin Reed will broaden his education by playing alongside someone of Chris' experience."

City goal hero Williams meanwhile said he should have had a hat-trick.

His candid assessment was delivered after he marked his second City appearance with a brace of goals, the first a stunner that even drew applause from the home crowd.

"I've not hit the ball sweeter than that all year," said the Welsh 'B' international. "It was a great feeling to see that one go in, but I should have scored in the first half when I was through on the goalkeeper.

"At least we should take some confidence from this result as it was a real six-pointer."

City trial for goal machine Milner

York City were tonight giving a trial to Northern League hot-shot John Milner.

The forward, who has hammered 58 goals for Bedlington Terriers this season, including several on the surge that has taken them to the FA Vase Final at Wembley, is included in the City reserves side to play at Newcastle United tonight.

Several clubs have been tracking the 24-year-old Milner, who was formerly on Newcastle's books. Shrewsbury have offered him a professional contract as have two clubs in Scotland, but he does not want to travel so far.

So City could be in the driving seat if he impresses, though it is thought unlikely he would quit Bedlington this season until after the Vase final.

Also included in the reserves' ranks will be caretaker-manager Neil Thompson, who is at last getting in some football after the hectic first two weeks in his reign since taking over from sacked boss Alan Little.

Meanwhile City's Intermediates eased their FA Youth Cup setback at West Ham by battering Bradford City 4-0 in a Youth Alliance clash on Saturday. The marksmen were James Turley, Marc Thompson, Peter Batchelor and Lee Bullock, with goalkeeper John Mohan making a splendid penalty save.

City reserves: Mimms, Hocking, Thompson, Dawson, Rennison, Bullock, Agnew, Woods, Connelly, Rowe, Milner. Subs from Fox, Turley, Walters, Keegan, Urwin.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.