YORK City centre-back Josh King has admitted his surprise at being included in Saturday's team at the expense of Joe Tait.

This was the first time that Tait, when fit, has been left out of the side - but his young replacement did a fine job, being named York's man of the match in the 1-0 win over Alfreton Town.

Tasked with the job of keeping Alfreton's top scorer - and former Minsterman - Amari Morgan-Smith quiet, King and experienced defensive partner Steve McNulty were typically calm and collected.

On the odd instance where King did lose out to the striker, he showed good strength and awareness to get the ball back.

"That's what I'm meant to do," he said. "If I make a mistake, my first instinct should be to get the ball back.

"I'm just glad I got back before they ended up scoring.

"I found out (the team) just before the game, like every other week. I was quite shocked to be back in the team. I was really glad.

"I thought I played quite well, but in the end it's a team effort.

"We've had a tough few games so I'm just glad we're back to winning ways."

On York's recent poor results and apparent lack of self-belief, he added: "I don't think it was a lack of confidence, I think it was a few things missing in the game, chances we could have put to bed.

"Hopefully we can get another win (at Hereford tonight), then we're back top and it's onto Saturday.

"Every game it should be quite positive to come into.

"We always come in positive. We take it as it comes. If we win, we win, but we definitely don't go in to lose."

King also believes "it's great" to play next to McNulty, who is some 16 years King's senior.

"I'm still quite young so it's a great bonus for me," he said.

"He has a go at us sometimes but that's what you want from your captain. When you make a mistake, he keeps you switched on.

"I'm glad to be playing here alongside him."