AS a leg stretcher and lung opener, York City's pre-season friendly clash with Sunderland served its purpose.

But in reality, such were the injury problems facing the Minstermen going into this clash the City faithful probably learned very little about how their team are likely to fare once the season gets underway.

City were missing eight players, lined up with a defence including a trialist playing out of position, a newcomer and two very young centre-backs and all marshalled by first-year professional John Collinson keeping goal.

The lack of understanding was apparent for all of Sunderland's three goals, none of which the Black Cats had to work particularly hard for.

The impressive Michael Reddy bagged the first on ten minutes, punishing a sluggish City defence to nod home the rebound after Collinson made a great block to deny an unmarked Brendan McGill's point blank effort.

Sunderland doubled their tally less than ten minutes later when again slack marking enabled Stanislav Varga to head home Stefan Schwarz's near post corner all too comfortably.

And Sunderland completed their scoring on 25 minutes when a through ball from midfield caught the City rearguard square.

With trialist James Okoli out of position, Reddy raced away, cut inside Stuart Wise, and fired in a low drive from the edge of the area beyond the outstretched arm of Collinson.

For a time, Sunderland threatened to score with every forward foray before City gradually managed to restore some order to their back line.

And although the result was all but sealed, at least the Minstermen made a more than decent first of the second-half.

Genuine sights of goal were few and far between - their best chance came early in the first-half when Peter Duffield's diving header was pushed away by Jurgen Macho - but at least City kept the ball better.

Their best opportunities after the break - a Graham Potter header and a Nicolas Mazzina volley - were both a result of some careful approach play and the inclination to pass and move rather than hit long, hopeful balls up to the forwards should be cause for comfort and optimism.

Collinson can also take pride in his display.

The youngster perhaps lacks the presence and experience to yet be considered as a first team regular but he made a number of telling saves and could not be faulted for any of the goals.

Updated: 08:53 Monday, July 29, 2002