ON-LOAN defender Jon Maloney is hoping set-plays can continue to play a key role in York City's renaissance under Billy McEwan during tomorrow's home game with Exeter.

Maloney enjoyed his "best moment in football" when he grabbed the match-winning goal in Tuesday night's 2-1 victory over runaway Conference leaders Barnet.

His 68th-minute strike came after a City corner and the Doncaster Rovers centre-back pointed out that McEwan has placed a lot of importance on players' positions at set-pieces since his arrival at KitKat Crescent.

Wetherby-based Maloney said: "We have worked a lot on our shape and set-plays in the last couple of weeks and I think that's starting to pay off. The new manager is a good coach and he knows what he's on about.

"When I scored I have never felt anything like it in football before. It was the best feeling ever - just unbelievable.

"I scored at Stevenage but this one was in front of all our home fans and, as my dad said, if you are going to score it's the right end to do it. It was also the winning goal against the leaders so that made it even more pleasing.

"I hope I get more before I go back to Doncaster but the main priority is keeping them out at the other end."

Maloney has forged a strong central-defensive partnership with Paul Groves since joining the Minstermen in January and is quick to praise the part City's 39-year-old veteran has played in his smooth transition to life in the Conference.

He said: "It's been great playing alongside Grovesy. He gives a lot of help to all the young defenders around him and coming to York has been a great experience for me.

"I've been feeling physically stronger and a lot fitter every game and I'm hoping that the club can get as many points as possible and continue to climb the table before I go back to Doncaster in April.

"I think we can. Even though morale was not bad, beating Exeter and then Barnet has given the whole team a massive lift and everybody is pretty chipper at the moment."

Maloney, who has been an ever present for City since his new year switch, returns to Doncaster at the beginning of April still unsure whether he will be offered a contract at Belle Vue when his current deal expires in the summer.

He said: "I've not really discussed my situation with them but I will spend April at Doncaster so hopefully I can get a few games there. They are close to the play-offs and it would be nice to get involved in that."

Updated: 09:57 Friday, March 04, 2005