NIGEL HERD has taken over as City of York Hockey Club's first team coach.

He did much to bring York Trojans from relative obscurity in the mid-1990s and is now aiming to get York's Northern League Premiership status back.

He certainly got off to a good start as York, relegated to division one last season, beat Hull 2-1 in a pre-season friendly.

All the goals came in the second half, Luke Griggs firing York ahead with a fine shot from inside the circle. Hull equalised ten minutes later when York gave away possession.

But, with only five minutes left, a free hit outside the 'D' was hammered across the face of Hull's goal by Nick Carter and Chris Dutton, who missed much of last season through injury, scored at the far post.

Alex Fletcher led the goal charge for a combined York II and II team to defeat Hull III 6-2. He scored four to add to goals from Colin Moore and Jason Bemrose.

York won three out of their four games in a mini-festival at York University which saw Harrogate, Ben Rhydding, Marton Furness, Coalville and Chester in action.

It was such a success that it is likely to become a regular feature of York's fixture calendar.

Harrogate were the only side to beat York, whose former coach, Mike Thornicroft, has taken over the coaching reins at Chester.

City of York seemed to lack self-belief when they were beaten 2-1 in the Yorkshire Under 21 Knockout Cup.

The young York side afforded their opponents too much respect and soon found themselves 2-0 down, but hit back in the second half with Matthew Couttie teeing up Richard Jenkin to score. John Jenkin, at 14, the youngest player on the pitch, had a storming game for York.

Players of all standards and both sexes who wish to join the club should contact president Clive Marshall on 01904 781126.

Teams will be published in the Evening Press each Wednesday.

Updated: 11:54 Tuesday, September 11, 2001