IMPROVING productivity in the final third remains York City's aim following Saturday's pre-season win at Whitby Town, Micky Cummins said.

A trialist and Clayton Donaldson scored second-half goals to see the Minstermen come back from a goal down to their Northern Premier League premier division hosts.

York deployed a different outfield 10 in each 45, the first half seeing a slightly less bedded-in side featuring youngsters Jack Degruchy and Jonny Haase - who both played very well - alongside four trialists and new signing Jason Gilchrist.

They were exciting and busy in front of the Whitby back-line but not particularly penetrative. Degruchy's was one of few occasions when that side got in behind.

By half-time, the first 11 had grown into the contest before a refreshed second 11 came out. They looked perhaps more solid going forward but still needed a fine free kick and a late Donaldson finish to overhaul ex-Minsterman Bradley Fewster's first-half strike.

On his initial hopes for improvement following the win, assistant manager Cummins said: "The idea is to be more productive in the final third. We were without Kurt (Willoughby) and Woodsy (Michael Woods) today (both have been isolating as contacts).

"In terms of what we saw and what we've seen in training, it's pleasing that we made a few entries into the final third and worked their keeper a bit.

"But as we go on, we'll work more and more on shape in and out of possession, nullify threats and look to be a threat ourselves in the final third."

On the whole, it was a decent first run-out of pre-season for York and plenty of performances should give manager Steve Watson food for thought.

"You can look at them train and do fitness but you've got to see them in a match situation. It turned out to be a hot, sticky day," Cummins added.

"We showed a bit more possibly in the second half, whether they were tired or it was the personnel and change of shape.

"Overall happy we've come away with 45 minutes under our belts, and I don't think there are any little niggles.

"We created opportunities and chances.

"If you come away from your first pre-season game with a win, you're happy."