NINE goals in two games is the rampant start made by City of York I.

After routing Rotherham 4-0 the York ranks pounded Preston outfit Springfield 5-2 in their second NHL division one fixture, led by Glyn Humphrey, who scored the first four goals.

York's new emphasis on a tight defence with Nick Carter at the centre, a solid midfield of Luke Griggs and skipper Mark Moisley, with flair players James Gilbert and Chris Wilson on the flanks and predators Chris Dutton and Humphrey up front, has so far proved effective.

City opened the scoring after ten minutes through Humphrey. However the hosts put themselves under needless pressure by unforced errors, and it was not long before Springfield seized on one to level.

City came back immediately, and with the superb aerial passes of Volker Beiderich opening up the visitors Humphrey restored the lead.

Another Humphrey goal after the interval gave City a comfortable cushion and at this point City's defence was secure.

However, a missed hit on the edge of the circle gave a Springfield raider the chance to crash home a fierce drive, but that was the last real opening for the visitors.

Humphrey struck for the fourth time to restore the comfort margin and then an exciting goal by Chris Dutton emphasised City's dominance.

His slap-hit on the turn was blocked by the 'keeper but he calmly flicked the rebound over the 'keeper and into the roof of the net.

This victory puts City of York in second place behind Lytham St Annes on goal difference and with the mouth-watering prospect of a game against Doncaster II, possibly containing ex-York player Gawaine Hogg, next week.

Updated: 12:32 Tuesday, October 09, 2001