THE only way is up for resurgent York City, according to delighted boss Terry Dolan.
The 1-0 win over promotion hopefuls Hartlepool has lifted City nine points clear of bottom club Halifax Town having played two less games than the Shaymen.
However, manager Dolan insists City are not interested in Alan Little's struggling side nor the spectre of the relegation trapdoor.
"We have never been looking nervously looking below us. I have always said we are looking at the teams above us, " maintained the City chief.
"We have caught another one with these three points and we have got closer to a few others.
"Everyone else has played and we have still got games in hand so everything is looking positive."
The three points were also enough to see City climb up one place to 21st, leapfrogging Leyton Orient, City's opponents at Brisbane Road tomorrow night.
With games in hand on most of the teams above them, City's total 35 point haul has also brought them level with Lincoln City and Carlisle United.
Also within striking distance are the likes of Macclesfield Town, Oxford United and Bristol Rovers.
Even 12th-placed Darlington are only six points ahead of City having played two games more.
Dolan admitted Saturday's 1-0 win over United was one of City's best of the season.
"It was a good win. Hartlepool are playing with a lot of confidence. They are picking up points on a regular basis and they have got some good, experienced players.
"I hope there will be a few more before the end of the season.
"When we have got nearly our full strength team out I think we are a match for most teams in this division.
"I have said we have not had a decent run this season, hopefully now we are going to get it.
"We kept a clean sheet and taken three points off a very useful team. I think that we showed we are a better team than we were a few months ago when we played up there so that is pleasing."
Dolan revealed on-loan Sunderland defender Mark Maley was left out of the squad after going down with a stomach bug.
With skipper Chris Brass suspended for the trip to Brisbane Road tomorrow, Lee Bullock, who has been troubled by an ankle niggle, was rested to the bench on Saturday before coming on as a late substitute.
Potential City buyer John Batchelor watched Saturday's game from the director's box.
Meanwhile, the York City Supporters' Trust are to offer help to fans of Third Division rivals Halifax.
Fans of Halifax, which is for sale with a £450,000 price, are hoping to launch their Supporters'Trust next Sunday.
Updated: 11:50 Monday, February 18, 2002
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