LOAN ranger Michael Reddy is looking to leave York City riding a crest of a wave after helping the Minstermen to their first win of 2003, writes Dave Stanford.

The on-loan Sunderland striker scored and earned a penalty as City brushed aside their off-field torment to beat Swansea 3-1 at Bootham Crescent.

Reddy's spell with the Minstermen will end following this Saturday's game at Hull after City's request to extend his loan deal was turned down by Sunderland boss Howard Wilkinson.

Having bid farewell to Bootham Crescent in fine style, Reddy admits he would love to sign off in just the same way at the Tigers' new Kingston Communications Stadium.

"I was on loan at Hull last season so it would be nice to get a goal and put one over on them, especially with it being at the new stadium," said the 22 year-old.

Reddy admitted he had struggled to reproduce his best form for City during his loan spell, the fact he was not allowed to play in the FA Cup preventing him from enjoying a regular run of games.

"I don't think there's been a midweek game while I've been here and so it's been difficult to get a real run," he said.

"I probably set my sights on scoring a lot more goals than I have done.

"But I've also been out in wide positions for quite a few games and I'd like to think I've created quite a few, including a couple of penalties.

"It's been difficult fitness-wise and that is something I've got to work on, but I've really enjoyed my time.

"Hull will be a good game to go out on and it would be even better if I can get a goal and a win."

Reddy is full of admiration for the way the City players have coped with all the off-field uncertainty currently surrounding the club.

"It's been a real eye-opener but the lads have been fantastic in a tough situation," he said.

"It must be difficult not getting paid and not knowing where their futures lie, but everyone at the club has been professional and the supporters have been great."

Reflecting on Saturday's win, which lifted City up to eighth in the table, manager Terry Dolan was delighted.

"I'm just pleased we have been able to put a smile on everybody's faces again," he said.

"It has not been easy for the last few weeks, particularly for the players, and they are delighted to have got the three points which has put us back in the pack.

"The important thing from my point of view is we have now reached 40 points and we have given ourselves every chance on the field. Off the field, it is out of our hands."

Dolan, who praised every player by name, said: "I have to admit, for the first two or three days of last week it was hard to keep everyone positive.

"But we have come through it, ground a result out and I was very pleased with the second-half performance.

"I thought we played some good football and had we had that bit more quality with our final ball it may have been five or six."

Updated: 13:44 Monday, January 20, 2003