YORK City caretaker boss Viv Busby praised his old guard after last night's 1-1 Nationwide Conference draw with high-flying Halifax Town.

Busby selected six teenagers in his starting line-up against the Shaymen and, while delighted with the youngsters' continued contributions, he was equally as pleased by the performances of his senior professionals.

Thirty-somethings Kevin Donovan, who grabbed an excellent late goal to earn a point, and Lee Nogan both impressed Busby, as well as former manager Chris Brass - a relative youngster at 29.

The acting City manager said: "Chris Brass had another magnificent game and is a credit to the club, as is Lee Nogan. He tracked back all night and we will have to be careful with him because you need breathers when you get older but his attitude for a 35-year-old is spot on. He's a gem.

"Kevin Dononvan's a good player - there's no doubt about that. He's got great feet, his awareness is good, he can play off the front people and he's got that little bit of magic which he showed when he beat two or three players and finished well into the bottom corner.

"It was a fantastic goal and I ran 30 yards with the fourth official around my neck to celebrate with him."

Busby believes his side can play better than last night but was encouraged by their spirit as well as being impressed by Halifax.

He said: "Halifax were a great passing side and probably the best we have played in terms of keeping possession but we defended well. We weren't at our best but we kept working hard and after going behind with just five minutes to go got something out of the game thanks to Kevin's bit of skill.

"It was then the longest three minutes of my life but we had showed great spirit to come back and we have got a win and a draw in our last two games against class sides."

Brass received blows to his throat and foot in the closing stages and had to be substituted at the death but is unlikely to miss Saturday's trip to Northwich.

Kane Ashcroft is more doubtful after being substituted earlier because of a knee injury.

Busby could now restore Ashcroft's replacement Darren Dunning to the starting line-up at Northwich but was again full of admiration for the teenage midfielder, saying: "Kane was getting into the game before he had to come off. He's done tremendously well in the last two games and you can't get any harder than the opposition he's faced. The youth system here is a real bonus."

"Darren Dunning was disappointed when I told him he would not be playing and that was the reaction I wanted. He's now got a point to prove."

As well as a potential midfield poser at Northwich, Busby could also have selection considerations in attack.

Andy Bishop could still be ruled out with an ankle problem but Lev Yalcin's starting place may come under pressure from a pair of Paul Robinsons.

Former Newcastle United striker Paul Robinson returned to action for the first time since mid-October as a second-half substitute last night and Tranmere trialist Paul Robinson is also expected to join the Minstermen today after agreeing a financial settlement to terminate his contract at Prenton Park.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, December 08, 2004