MANAGER Terry Dolan hailed the finishing prowess of York City as the Minstermen put a severe dent in Mansfield Town's promotion hopes with a 3-1 win at Bootham Crescent.

The City chief was delighted with the win, City's fourth in six matches and one which saw them score three times at home for the first time this season.

But Dolan maintained City had probably played better against Carlisle just days earlier, when a stack of missed opportunities forced the Minstermen to share the spoils in a scoreless stalemate.

"I think we probably played better on Tuesday night and didn't take our chances and yet against Mansfield we took our chances.

"That just shows you the thin line between success and failure," said Dolan.

"But I think the whole team did well and we have come from behind to win the game which is a change.

"We didn't start very well and went behind to a good strike but we got straight back into it and in the second half finished it off with two excellent finishes."

Dolan added: "When you think Mansfield are fourth we have done well against them, had young players playing and as far as I am concerned it bodes well for the future.

"We have got players who are looking forward to the rest of this season, and next season in particular.

"We have still got two games to play and I would love to get another six points.

"Scunthorpe have lost and all the teams around them have lost so it will be a vital game for them next Saturday.

"It's far better for us to play in games like that than what people might call meaningless games."

Dolan paid tribute to Lee Nogan, who grabbed his 100th League goal of his career with City's equaliser.

"It is a nice landmark for him and I've just told him he can start on his next 100 now," said the City boss.

Dolan was also fulsome in his praise for City skipper Chris Brass, who must now sit out the last two games of the season because of suspension.

"He was determined to go out with a good performance, not just for himself but for the team. He has led the team very well," said the City manager.

Updated: 09:09 Monday, April 15, 2002