VICTORIES over near neighbours are always to be enjoyed but York City's win over Doncaster Rovers was particularly sweet.

Rovers arrived at Bootham Crescent riding high in Division Three on the back of six straight League wins, while a stuttering City had won just twice since August and last collected three points at the beginning of October.

Upsetting the form-book and puncturing a close rival's swagger adds to the pleasure then of a long overdue victory.

The three points also keep City well in contention for the play-offs as the critical festive period looms.

As pleasing as the win was, the character and resolve shown by the Minstermen imbues plenty of confidence for the important weeks ahead.

Saturday's encounter came down to a battle of wills and it was a more hungry City who prevailed.

The game was finely balanced at half-time after a fairly tepid and largely tedious first half.

Remarkable for being unremarkable, shots on goal were noticeable by their absence as both forward lines were left to dine on little more than scraps.

City just about shaded possession and probably had the better chances to take the lead, but Lee Bullock could only glance an early header wide from a good position and debutant Gary Browne, who showed some decent touches, failed to react quickly enough to pounce on a Lee Nogan knock-down from close range.

Midway through the half, Rovers did threaten to assert some authority as they pressed City into some misplaced passes and hurried clearances and it took an important block from Chris Smith to deny a Chris Brown snapshot from close-range.

But with neither team playing with real conviction and despite their obvious differences in the table there was little to differentiate between the two sides.

The game and atmosphere simmered but rarely came close to boiling point and as some wag in the press box commented: "It was enough to drive you to Christmas shopping."

However, for all its failings, the lack of action and incident at least ensured the game was finely poised as the second half got underway.

The three points were very much there for the taking for the team that was willing to step forcefully from the shadows and impose themselves on the opposition.

Fortunately for home supporters, the team with the greater desire proved to be City in a second half that went some way to justifying the sense of pre-match anticipation and excitement.

Wing-backs Dave Merris and Darren Edmondson started to drive down the flanks with real purpose as Rovers were pegged back.

Browne fired a shot on the turn just wide, while Stephen Brackstone also went close with a first-time effort from nigh on 40 yards, the City midfielder spotting former York City goalkeeper Andy Warrington some way off his line after a hacked clearance.

Warrington also saved from Richard Hope and only an important clearance by Rovers' full-back Tim Ryan denied Edmondson a free header at goal.

City's new-found energy and drive was rewarded on the hour when Merris produced a crisp tackle to nick possession as Rovers threatened to break.

Lee Bullock sent Darren Dunning scampering away down the right. His deep centre was controlled on the chest by Lee Nogan, who played a clever one-two with Bullock before being tripped as he readied to shoot.

Referee Kevin Wright had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Dunning was coolness personified as he drilled the penalty into the bottom corner, just beyond the outstretched arm of Warrington.

Rovers, inevitably, now started to press but City remained strong and resolute at the back.

Mark Ovendale had to come and claim a handful of crosses but the City 'keeper did not have a genuine save to make as Rover's thrusts were repelled.

The narrow lead ensured a tense finish but City looked quite comfortable and in control.

In any case, the agony of the last few minutes ensured the inertia of the first half had long been forgotten and victory, once it was confirmed by the final whistle, tasted so sugary sweet.

Match facts:

Nationwide League

Saturday, November 15, 2003

at Bootham Crescent

City ratings:

Ovendale 7

Edmondson 7

Smith 8

Brass 8

Hope 8

Merris 8

Brackstone 7

Bullock 7

Dunning 8

Browne 7 (Shaw 66m)

Nogan 8

Subs not used: Porter, Wood, Wilford, George

Star Man: Richard Hope - another rock-solid display.

Key: 10 Faultless, 9 Outstanding, 8 Excellent, 7 Eye-catching, 6 Good, 5 Average, 4 Below-par, 3 Dud, 2 Hopeless, 1 Retire

Doncaster: Warrington, Marples, Albrighton, Foster, Ryan, McGrath (Burton 73m), Ravenhill, Green, McIndoe, Brown (Fortune-West 71m), Blundell. Subs, not used: Richardson, Morley, Price.

Yellow cards: Brass 27min, Browne 42m, Ravenhill 57m, McIndoe 65m

Red cards: None

Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambs). Rating: Generally sound.

Attendance: 5,942

Weather watch: Bright and blustery.

Game breaker: City's grit.

Match rating: Storming second half erases the memory of the first.

Updated: 09:08 Monday, November 17, 2003