Steve Watson hopes win can be catalyst after York City's rough start

City went into this game sitting bottom of the National League North table after three defeats on the bounce to open the campaign.

As seems par for City's season, this game was not without its hiccups as right-back Michael Duckworth was forced to pull out during the warm-up, replaced at full-back by midfielder Olly Dyson.

With an inexperienced back line in place, City were lucky to not concede a few more against a bright Spennymoor attack, but strike trio Kurt Willoughby, Clayton Donaldson and Mark Beck all netted to secure a vital victory and give "delighted" Watson cause for optimism.

“As the game wore on, (Spennymoor) did get some chances that on another day they might have scored but their keeper’s made a few good saves and we had one cleared off the line in a scramble in the first half and second half," Watson said. “There were plenty of chances for both sides.

“There’s a bit of naivety as well," he continued of his defence. "You’ve got a young lad who plays as a right winger being thrust into right-back at little notice and Sam (Fielding), who has played as many times at centre-midfield as centre-half, so you can understand it.

“I though (Matty) Browny marshalled them really well considering he was playing with a really young back three around him.

“I thought the midfield three were superb, Paddy (McLaughlin), Akil (Wright) and (Michael) Woodsy were tireless today, and when we need to relax at the end, we relaxed and we managed the game well at the end, which was something we failed to at the weekend.

“I’m delighted. I know we’re only three games in but nobody ever wants to start like that. Whether there are reasons or not, you look at the league table and it’s a horrible sight.

“I know it’s only win but hopefully that will be the catalyst for us now."

City might be looking at missing Duckworth, Scott Barrow, Sean Newton and Josh King for Saturday's visit of Farsley Celtic.