MIDDLESBROUGH rising star James Morrison scored the only goal of the game in last night's KitKat Crescent friendly, but York City gave an encouraging account against their Premiership visitors.

Right-winger Morrison was one of seven players in Boro's starting line-up with first-team Premiership experience and, along with firebrand 18-year-old Lee Cattermole, probably the most impressive.

But City also had some eye-catching performers themselves.

Full-back Darren Craddock reminded the 1,342 home crowd of his ability, defending solidly and rampaging down the right flank in the same manner as he did during his loan spell from Hartlepool last season.

Fellow summer signing Ross Greenwood also displayed his versatility after his 25th minute replacement of Steve Bowey, who limped out of the action with a minor knee injury.

Greenwood was initially in front of the back four as a midfield anchor man, and then at the start of the second half he was operating further forward before finishing the match at right back.

Encouragingly, he performed just as adeptly in all three roles.

Trialist goalkeeper Tom Evans's decision making and communication also impressed, even if he did let Morrison's 55th-minute volley from an Andy Taylor cross slip through his fingers into the bottom corner.

City boss Billy McEwan is clearly coming close to a decision on the former Scunthorpe keeper, saying afterwards: "He did not really have a lot to do apart from a few saves which were bread and butter.

"He was a bit unsighted with the goal but looks OK and we will be looking to do something on that front."

City, who began with the same starting line-up that faced Gainsborough on Friday, were bright in the opening stages.

The lively Clayton Donaldson was gifted a second-minute chance that he lifted over the bar.

The Minstermen were also unfortunate on 18 minutes with a sweeping move that saw skipper Manny Panther release Craddock, whose right-wing cross was headed narrowly wide by Craig Farrell.

Morrison gave the visitors the lead ten minutes after the restart, but City could have grabbed an equaliser midway through the second half when Greenwood's excellent pass sent Donaldson clear on goal but Boro keeper David Knight saved his shot.

A justifiably satisfied McEwan said afterwards: "I was pleased with our attitude because it was a great test for us.

"They brought a very strong side and pushed us hard. Our players will have learnt a lot from that game and it was a good fitness workout."

York City: Evans, Craddock (Lloyd, 75), McGurk, Dudgeon, Peat (Appleby, 79), Bishop (Webster, 77), Convery, Panther, Bowey (Greenwood, 25), Farrell, Donaldson.

Middlesbrough: Knight, Hines (Walker, 60), Taylor (Williams, 86), Cattermole, Wheater (Johnson, 86), Bates, Morrison, Liddle (Grounds, 86), Christie, Craddock, Porritt (Franks, 77).

Referee: Edward Ilderton.