RAPID fire marksman Aron Wilford is determined to make up for lost time and repay the faith shown in him by York City player-boss Chris Brass.

Wilford marked not only his City debut but also his Football League debut on Saturday with a stunning goal against Rochdale.

The strike, coming just three minutes after he came off the bench, ultimately proved in vain as City slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

But Wilford, who hails from Malton, is hopeful his first goal will be just the first of many in a City shirt.

"To get that first goal gives you loads of confidence," he said. "Hopefully, if selected, I can carry that on. To make my debut and score within minutes of coming on was great but to lose the game was more disappointing. It took the gloss of it."

Wilford, who signed after a successful trial spell in the summer ,has seen his City career delayed by injury.

Top scorer with UniBond League premier division outfit Whitby Town last season, getting used to the rigours of full-time training had taken its toll.

However, a month into the season, Wilford, who started out with Middlesbrough before dropping into the Conference with Scarborough, reckons he is now in peak condition and raring to go.

"I've had a bit of a sore back but now I've had a week and a half of solid training where I've felt really good," said the 21-year-old.

"To get a taste for 30 minutes and also to get a goal is great for me personally, now I want more.

"I never gave up hope of getting back into the League. You just have to keep plugging away and hope someone spots you.

"I came down for pre-season and the gaffer has been great. He has given me a chance and it is up to me to repay him.

"I want to play league football. I'm ambitious and I just want to play as well as I can and then I will see where it takes me."

Wilford's goal may have forced him into contention for a starting role when City make their first League visit to Yeovil Town on Saturday.

After two successive defeats, Brass may want to shake his troops up with some fresh legs, particularly up front where Liam George and Lee Nogan have been offered little respite.

Wilford's hopes of starting at Yeovil may rest with Jon Parkin ,who is shaking off a thigh strain and looks like being in contention at Huish Park.

Skipper Darren Edmondson's calf injury is also settling down and he may also come into the reckoning.

The City chief confirmed the Minstermen had now made an extended contract offer to centre-back Richard Hope after the former Blackburn, Darlington and Northampton stopper's initial one-month deal ran out.

"We have put a deal to him and it's now just a case of waiting. We have given him as good a deal as we can and it is now up to Richard to decide," said Brass.

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, September 10, 2003