MANAGER Gary Mills hailed record-breaking York City striker Jason Walker after he claimed his tenth goal of the season during Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Stockport County.

Walker set up Matty Blair’s opening goal at Edgeley Park and doubled the visitors’ advantage on 86 minutes – making him the quickest marksmen to double figures in the club’s history.

City chief Mills paid tribute to lone central striker Walker and also praised Blair, who was recalled to the starting line-up in place of Jamie Reed.

About Walker, the Minstermen boss said: “What a player. It’s tough playing up there but he kept going and his cross for Blairy’s first goal was superb.

“The run he made to get across the centre-back for his goal was great as well. We brought him here to do what he’s doing and he’s producing the goods.

“Blairy’s work rate getting up and down the line was superb too and they ended up laying a goal on for each other.”

Victory lifted City two places to seventh in the Blue Square Bet Premier just four points behind leaders Gateshead, who beat Mills’ men 3-2 in midweek.

Mills added: “We did very well at Stockport. Conceding a goal in the last minute took a bit of the gloss off, both for me and the players, but I will sort that out.

“The positive side is that we showed the guts to bounce back after a disappointing evening at Gateshead.

“In the first half, our final ball let us down a bit but we had to be patient because Stockport are a good footballing side who you can’t switch off against and we got two great goals.”

Midfielder Andre Boucaud limped out of the action during the first half at Edgeley Park, allowing teenager Michael Potts to impress from the bench.

Commenting on the former Blackburn apprentice’s contribution, Mills said: “Andre got a bit of a groin strain so it was a chance for Pottsy, who has been a bit frustrated this season.

“He’s somebody who wants to play and he has a great range of passes.

“He’s a tidy player who can pass the ball one yard, five yards, ten yards or 50 yards as he showed when he opened them up for the first goal.

“I’m delighted for him because he went on and tried to take his opportunity.”

Club captain Chris Smith also earned a recall to the starting line up in place of the suspended David McGurk with Mills satisfied by his return, saying: “Chris Smith did well.

“We looked solid and, even though the back four are disappointed with the goal, it was tough in that hot weather.”

Smith was preferred to Daniel Parslow as McGurk’s replacement but the former Wales under-21 international went on to play his part in the win as well, coming off the bench for a cameo role in midfield.

Explaining that decision, Mills said: “They had some big men on the pitch and I just told Pars to take some pressure off our centre-backs who were being pulled out of position to win headers.

“I wanted him to give us a bit of protection in the air although he ended up playing like Andre Boucaud and sprayed a few passes about.”

The City manager saved the last word for the 680 away supporters who made the trip across the Pennines, grinning: “The fans were magnificent.

“Some probably went home with red faces but, hopefully, the three points will make up for the sunburn.”