YORK City boss Steve Watson believes his team are on the up after a 2-1 win over their "hardest opposition" of this season so far, Chester.

After scoring at Blyth on Wednesday, Harry Bunn netted the opener in the victory at Bootham Crescent, and Akil Wright finished the job after Paddy Lacey equalised.

The win on Saturday shot City up to ninth in National League North - above Chester on goal difference with three games in hand - and, for Watson, represented a good reaction to the previous weekend's defeat at Leamington.

"I've said a number of times, they're a really good side," Watson commented on the game. "They've got quality all over the pitch and the managers play a good style of football.

"It was always going to be the hardest opposition we've faced so far this season and we came through it.

"We will only improve. There are certain aspects of it we can improve, but overall I'm pleased with the way we're going.

"Last Saturday was always going to be a big ask and it was always in the back of my mind that we were going to be a little bit rusty. We hoped it wasn't going to cost us but unfortunately it did.

"But the response has been great."

Last Saturday at Leamington was York's first game following an 18-day coronavirus-enforced lay-off. This Saturday was the first time the Minstermen have been able to fulfil three consecutive fixtures since the middle of October.

They have earned six points from the run, though the interrupted nature of this campaign, coupled with a new-look City squad, may have been evident in parts.

"I think we did a lot of things well," Watson continued. "We had chances and they had chances - you're going to get that with two good, offensive sides.

"Second half, I thought we were quite naive with the ball at times, balls where a bit more composure is needed, and we got into a habit of turning balls first time around the corner and a lot of the time that gave them the ball back.

"As I've said, we're very much a work in progress, we've had a very stop-start start to the season. We had to work hard for the win on Wednesday.

"All in all, I'm delighted with the three points and the vast majority of what I've seen today."

Possibly the only black mark on the win came following the final whistle, when tempers flared and a number of players from both sides confronted each other on the field. Jake Cassidy, already on a caution, was among the players to receive a yellow.

"We were delighted at the victory. It didn't take anything away from it, it's just really disappointing.

"But I don't know enough about it and I didn't see enough of it to want to get involved.

"I'll listen to what the lads have to say first.

"I just want to talk about the football for a second, if I can.

"Disappointing to lose Jake (Cassidy) for a second yellow, Harry Bunn got booked and one of their lads.

"But the result was all-important and we got a really good, hard-working three points."