YORK CITY fans made the short trip to Doncaster in a mood of weary resignation, knowing that it was only a matter of hours before their sad fate would be sealed.

But few of them thought it would take only eight minutes.

As Doncaster Rovers swiftly put two goals past keeper Mark Ovendale, even the most loyal of fans could not keep up the pretence, and chants of "We're going down, we're having a laugh," rang out from the York fans.

At half time, a steady stream of fans began leaving Belle Vue, while those who remained sat subdued as they listened gloomily to the scores from the rest of the day's fixtures.

Spirits were lifted briefly a little while into the second half with a solitary York goal from Darren Dunning, but then came the third Doncaster goal of the day and all hope was crushed.

The stark reality was plain for all to see - only months after the long battle to save Bootham Crescent was won, the Minstermen would need a small miracle to avoid playing non-league football next season.

It was clear that the loyal fans blamed the players.

Dave Ackroyd, of Heworth, said he was "gutted" and described the match as "a completely passionless display". He said: "The fans have been completely let down."

Barry Pearson, of Wilberfoss, a City supporter for 35 years, said: "There's never been a team as bad as this. The team have let us down big-style. They just don't seem as if they care. It's so disheartening."

But he said the Conference League would give the team a fresh start.

"We can start from scratch and come back strong. I think attendances will fall to 1,500, but I'll be a fan through thick and thin."

John Garnham, 15, was not surprised by the result: "It's been on the cards all season. We're not scoring enough goals to stay in this division." He said he would still turn up for matches. "If we don't, then the club will just die."

Updated: 11:16 Monday, April 26, 2004