MICHAEL WOODS' opener and a second-half double from striker Clayton Donaldson were enough to secure passage in the FA Cup for York City at the weekend.

At home to Northern Premier League east division outfit Hebburn Town, the Minstermen triumphed 3-0 - a comfortable win, all told, but it could have been so much more comfortable.

No matter, City are through to the third round qualifying, where they will face Whitby Town at the LNER Community Stadium on the first weekend in October.

Here are five things we learnt from the win over Hebburn.

1. Early rounds are about the destination, not the journey

True, City were far from their best against Hebburn. Their pass completion rate was poor and their composure in the final third was lacking. In the end, it was three moments of class - each a cut well above the rest of the action - that settled it for York. Even then, a fourth was spurned when Kurt Willoughby inexplicably sliced a late close-range chance onto the South Stand roof.

And yet, you will be hard pushed to find an analysis of the game that doesn’t conclude with “... but at least we’re through.”

By and large, the early rounds of the Cup are about survival, about avoiding ignominious defeat to the minnows, and York did just that.

At least they’re through.

2. York will have to be better for Whitby in the next round

For all the areas where they could have been better, City were most definitely worthy winners.

Whitby will be a different prospect. Where Hebburn are sitting near the foot of the east division, Whitby are challenging towards the top of the NPL’s premier division.

City have shown time and again this season they have the ability and the flair - they will need to have their heads on right to use it against the Yorkshire coast outfit.

3. City missed their clinical edge at an okay time

Perhaps missing just that one game against Hereford was enough to slow down the momentum that City had been building with high-scoring, cut-and-thrust, thrilling wins over Spennymoor Town and Farsley Celtic. Perhaps it was facing a lower-league side, perhaps it was the warm weather, perhaps it was just an off-day.

Whatever it was, there seemed a world of difference between those wins and Saturday's.

But it must be hoped that City have that slackness out of their system before they return to National League North action at Darlington on Saturday, and rather they did it against Hebburn than a league rival.

4. Michael Woods is a valuable link going forward

Enough ruminating. Let’s take a look at Woods, who scored one and created one on Saturday.

Signed ahead of last season as an attacking midfielder, he has done exactly what he was brought in to do - he adds extra heft to an increasingly assured midfield and a goal threat up top.

His finish against Hebburn showed a poacher’s instinct and his deft through ball around the corner for Donaldson’s second showed an eye for a classy pass.

5. Donaldson still has it

There is always a danger in going for the romantic signing of a fan favourite-turned-veteran.

Fortunately, Donaldson looks like he will be worth every penny for York this season. He puts himself about smartly, holds the ball up confidently and finishes well.

Even at 37, he seems to have plenty left in the tank.