HALF the money needed to save York City's reserve team has been raised just days after an Evening Press appeal made by Billy McEwan.

The Minstermen have until April 21 to reverse their decision to withdraw from next season's Pontins League because of financial reasons.

It has been estimated that £10,000 will be needed to cover the costs of running the reserves for another season but £5,000 has already been received in pledges.

City supporters David Nicholson and Robert Beaumont set the ball rolling with £500 each and, since then, the York Minstermen and London South supporters groups have both donated £1,000.

London-based lawyer Dave Wilson, the Red and Blue website, the Supporters Club and a City fans' betting syndicate have also promised £500 apiece.

All the contributors agree with McEwan's philosophy that the reserves' provide an essential learning ground for junior players before reaching the first team.

The York Minstermen have already pledged £1,000 to the club and will be handing over their second four-figure cheque just six months after their inauguration.

Money has been raised at functions mainly held at the Social Club, which have also seen £3,000 collected in bar takings with all staff working on a voluntary basis.

The Minstermen have decided to direct their latest fundraising efforts towards McEwan's reserve appeal, having been "inspired" by McEwan's vision for the club during their February monthly meeting.

Spokesman Dave Potter, who also mans the Social Club bar at reserve games, said: "York Minstermen are delighted to answer Billy McEwan's call for assistance to keep the reserves. The City boss inspired us all with his vision and thoughts for the future of the club under his reign.

"We now want to do as much as we can to help Billy in his fight to win back our rightful place in the Football League. The reserve games will also make £1,000 in bar takings for the club this season and I hope that will increase next season as more people seek interest in the plight of the reserves and use the facility."

Wilson, who previously donated money to the Supporters' Trust in their successful fight to save the club, has made a personal pledge of £500.

As a schoolboy in Poppleton, he saw City take on the likes of Workington and counts Phil Boyer and Barry Jackson among his heroes.

He still attends occasional home matches as well as southern-based away games and said: "I feel the issue is a very important one and the current board seem to be doing things correctly. I think it is a well-presented idea of how to raise the cash in manageable amounts. Just please don't tell my wife."

Matthew Flint is one of seven regular forum users of the Red and Blue Net website that have clubbed together to make a donation and he said: "You need a continuation between the youth and senior teams and, for the sake of £500, we are happy to make an effort to keep it going."

The official Supporters' Club have also pledged £500 and chairman Raymond Wynn said: "It would hinder our return to league football if we do not have guaranteed reserve fixtures. That is not possible with friendlies. In the Pontins League you know who you will be playing and how many games."

Updated: 10:47 Tuesday, March 22, 2005