It might have been only his first full game for the Minstermen, but defender Darren Patterson is well on the way to earning hero status among the York City faithful.

The Northern Ireland international led a wonderful rearguard action as City defied all the FA Cup odds to win 3-1 in their second-round replay at Division Two rich-kids Reading.

Furthermore, it was his first 90-minute match for seven months after an injury-ravaged opening to the season kept him out of the Dundee United side prior to his switch to Bootham Crescent last month.

"It's been a long time coming for me, but what a great full debut," he said after the game.

"It's absolutely magnificent for the players, the fans, the gaffer. We haven't half worked hard. It was a massive team effort and everybody to a man was different class.

"It was great to be back in the thick of it. Of course, the result makes it special but the performance overall was superb. It was a great team display and we did the business."

The 31-year-old, who had impressed as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Plymouth on Saturday, admitted he was relieved extra-time was not needed last night, as Colin Alcide and Chris Iwelumo both scored in the last two minutes to send City through. Steve Agnew had earlier equalised Darren Caskey's opener for the Royals.

"I really enjoyed it but I was knackered at the end," said the Belfast-born former Wigan, Crystal Palace and Luton centre-back.

"I want to get a run of games and once I get fitter I will get better and better. It's great to get 90 minutes under my belt but I was glad it didn't go to extra-time so I was a happy camper when big Chris knocked the third one in."

As for the prize of a money-spinning third-round trip to Leicester City, he said: "It will be a great day out for all of us. The supporters were absolutely magnificent and helped us along so hopefully they will have a good day as well."

Patterson's fellow Northern Ireland international, Alan Fettis, was another star of the City show, keeping the Royals at bay with a string of superb saves.

He said: "After the first game (against Reading) when we battled back from 2-0 down, we showed we had character and we knew we could beat them even though they are flying high.

"We did not have a lot of chances but we battled hard, defended very well and got a couple of late goals."

As for his own display, he remained modest. "I made a couple of good saves but everyone battled hard and defended well. I was just part of the 15," said the 29-year-old.

"Steve Agnew scored a great goal to bring us back in it and we battled and hung on in there. We got a couple of lucky breaks but that's the FA Cup for you."