IF you make your own luck in football then York City got their just rewards after a fortuitous winning goal against Morecambe.

Similarly, after three impressive trial matches, winger David McDermott was a worthy recipient of the fortune that saw his weakly-struck free-kick squirm over the line to hand City a first pre-season win.

McDermott scored the only goal of the match on 77 minutes when visiting ’keeper Barry Roche allowed his unconvincing effort to creep under his body and between his legs.

But, in truth, Roche might have picked the ball out of his net two or three times earlier during a one-sided first half at Bootham Crescent as the Minstermen exacted some revenge for their play-off semi-final defeat more than three years ago.

Despite the division’s difference in status these days, manager Martin Foyle will also take satisfaction from the knowledge, on Saturday’s evidence, that he would swap few of his players with their Football League counterparts from Morecambe ahead of the new season.

The Minstermen looked fitter and sharper than the visitors, especially during an energetic and enthusiastic start to the match.

After just six minutes, Richard Brodie had the ball grabbed off his toes as he attempted to round Roche and Greg Young, who made a confident first appearance in City colours before limping off in the 28th minute, headed over from an Alex Lawless cross.

A mazy diagonal run by Lawless also set up a 15-yard chance for Peter Till that Roche beat out at his near post.

Brodie, not one to embrace uncompetitive friendlies as his early penalty protests proved, then screwed a low shot against Roche’s left-hand post.

A volley by Lawless called Roche into action again before Mark Duffy kept his side on level terms by clearing James Meredith’s header off the line.

The visitors had to wait until the 34th minute for their first goal attempt which saw Adam Rundle glance Michael Ingham’s bar with his cross-cum-shot.

Jonathan Smith ensured City stayed in the ascendancy at the break, however, with a couple of off-target 20-yard efforts.

A less eventful second half saw trialist ’keeper David Knight forced into a low save following Phil Jevons’ strong run.

But, moments later, McDermott broke the deadlock and fellow substitute George Purcell also went close with a long-range drive on 81 minutes. Jake Simpson might have snatched an equaliser at the other end but thumped his shot over from 12 yards and City ran out deserved winners.

York City: Michael Ingham (David Knight, 46), Liam Darville, David McGurk (Djoumin Sangare, 46), Greg Young (Daniel Parslow, 28), James Meredith (Andy McWilliams, 72), Alex Lawless (Mike Whitwell, 63), Levi Mackin (Neil Barrett, 63), Jonathan Smith, Peter Till (David McDermott, 63), Michael Gash (George Purcell, 63), Richard Brodie (Jonny Andrew, 79).

Morecambe: Barry Roche, Darren Moss, Andy Parrish, Paul Scott, Laurence Wilson, Mark Duffy (Garry Hunter, 68), Craig Stanley (David Mannix, 68), Stewart Drummond (Neil Wainwright, 68), Adam Rundle (Jake Simpson, 46), Paul Mullin (Stuart Hendry, 59), Phil Jevons (James Spencer, 73).

Referee: Steve Smith (Darlington).

Attendance: 573 (36 from Morecambe).