A TEAM looking like it had a mountain to climb to get its season back on track regrouped and began another ascent on the peaks last night.

After three successive defeats, a point from a richly entertaining 1-1 draw with Darlington at Bootham Crescent has stopped the rot.

But perhaps even more significant than the point of order was City's performance.

Not only did it suggest the Minstermen have re-established a base camp from which to rise but they are dusted down and ready to re-conquer earlier summits.

True, this was a nip and tuck game City could have lost.

Darlington had two efforts cleared off the line, hit the woodwork and were denied by one incredible save from Mark Ovendale.

But City also had plenty of chances of their own to snare all three points and were also left cursing a post and the acrobatics of Darlington 'keeper Andy Collett.

And chances aside, the lethargy of recent outings was replaced by a much sharper, more vibrant and energetic City.

In particular, the Minstermen's passing was much quicker, slicker and more purposeful.

With confidence seemingly restored, it was noticeable the man in possession always had options and an available outlet.

Things may have been different had Darlington taken an early lead, but Steve Downes hacked Matt Clarke's downward header from a corner off the line on ten minutes.

City were quick to take advantage of that escape and grabbed the lead themselves on 16 minutes.

After his initial corner was returned, Darren Dunning centred again and Liam George nipped in front of his marker to send a near post glancing header in at the far upright.

A goal to the good, City continued to pass and move with increasing assurance.

Dave Merris almost doubled City's advantage with a diving header while Downes fired over after a sweeping move from the edge of the area.

But Darlington were proving nobody's pushover and over the course of the first 45 minutes probably just shaded possession and created the clearer chances.

Aron Wilford hacked a Barry Conlon header off the line after Ovendale produced his brilliant one handed save to deny another Clarke downward header from point blank range.

Just as half-time beckoned, Darlington grabbed the equaliser they probably deserved. The Quakers snatched possession as City pressed and Neil Wainwright broke away down the left.

The ball was switched to Ashley Nicholls out wide on the right and his vicious curling cross was met sweetly by Conlon, who scored his now traditional goal against his former club - it's four in four - with a thumping header.

Much has been said about City's weakness in the air - this was the eighth goal from ten that have come directly or indirectly from a cross and header in the box.

But it was such a well worked move and well taken goal that any side would have struggled to defend.

The second-half was just as entertaining and eventful although roles were reversed with City this time shading possession and carving out the clearer sights of goal.

To prove the point, ten minutes into the second period it was Darlington clearing off the line, David McGurk blocking a Lee Bullock header amid a blur of limbs.

Minutes later and City were left cursing their luck again when George's deep cross beat Collett but clipped the post before counting their blessings as Darlington's Clarke was denied for a third time. Played in by Conlon, this time Clarke got the better of Ovendale but his shot hit the upright.

Minutes later and a finely balanced game tipped decisively in City's favour when Darlington's Gary Pearson was dismissed for a two-footed and high tackle on Dunning.

Fortunately for Dunning and City, Pearson failed to make contact but it was still reckless and red was inevitable.

In similar situations in previous seasons, City have struggled to make their extra man count but last night the Minstermen at least looked like a side capable of profiting.

They failed to score, but they created plenty of chances with George, Bullock and Richard Cooper all going close before the fingertips of Collett denied a Mitch Ward rocket angled for the top corner.

It could have been a tremendous finale to an exciting evening but at least City and their supporters could take heart if not all three points from a return to form.

Match Facts:

Nationwide League, Div 3

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

at Bootham Crescent

Final score: City 1 (George 16), Darlington 1 (Conlon 45)

City ratings:(Key: 10 Faultless, 9 Outstanding, 8 Excellent, 7 Eye-catching, 6 Good, 5 Average, 4 Below-par, 3 Dud, 2 Hopeless, 1 Retire) - Ovendale 7, Downes 6, Brass 6, Wise 6, Merris 6, *Dunning 8, Wood 6, Ward 7, Bullock 7, George 7, Wilford 6, Subs: Cooper 6 (for Downes 59m), Stewart for Wilford 82m). Not used: Porter, Brackstone, Law.

Star Man: Darren Dunning. Tremendous workrate and accurate passing.

Darlington: Collett, Wainwright, Clarke, Liddle, Hutchinson, Valentine, Pearson, Keltie, Nicholls, McGurk, Conlon. Subs, not used: Price, Bossy, Clark, Hughes, Robson.

Yellow cards: George 29, Wainwright 36, Valentine 70, Clarke 78

Red cards: Pearson 75

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston). Rating: The odd strange decision, otherwise not bad

Attendance: 3,867

Weather watch: Warm and sticky

Game breaker: Conlon's equaliser on the stroke of half-time. If only City could have held the lead until the break.

Match rating: Plenty of thrills and spills

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, September 17, 2003