York City's Alan Fettis and Darren Patterson did their chances of an international recall no harm as they helped steer the Minstermen to their first clean sheet since October in yesterday's 1-0 win over Macclesfield Town.

A notable face in the Moss Rose directors' box was Sammy McIlroy and the Northern Ireland boss could not fail to have been impressed by the display of City's international duo.

Patterson, named skipper in only his fourth appearance in a City shirt, gave another commanding performance at the heart of the City defence while Fettis produced two brilliant saves midway through the second-half when the scores were still level.

Speaking after the game, Fettis, who has not played for Northern Ireland for more than a year, insisted a call to play for his country was not his top priority.

"If that comes up it comes up, but I am not really looking at that," he said.

"I just want to play well for York City and if the Northern Ireland thing comes along it is a bonus and obviously I have done something right."

Fettis admitted yesterday's win was all important but the clean sheet was still very welcome.

"It's about time, it has been long overdue," he said."

"We battled hard which you have to do when you are in the position we are in, away from home especially."

Fettis was full of praise for his defenders, most notably the three centre-backs of Mark Sertori, Colin Alcide and Patterson.

"The whole team battled hard but I thought the back three played extremely well.I thought Colin and Carlo were superb today and Patty is a good talker, organises well and he is an experienced player.