TERRY Dolan hailed the battling spirit of his "up for it" Minstermen after York City ended their four-match losing streak with a 2-1 win over Mansfield at Bootham Crescent last night.

City made a welcome return to winning ways the hard way after falling behind to a second-minute goal from the Stags' Micky Boulding.

But David McNiven's third goal for City and a first strike by Alex Mathie on his home debut ended City's recent goal drought.

The win sees City climb to 18th in the League and means the top half of the table is within touching distance again.

A clearly delighted Dolan said: "It was pleasing that we have come back from a goal down and managed to win the game.

"In other games we have played this season when we have gone a goal down we have not really got a grip of the match.

"We are going to make mistakes that is for sure. You don't just go from losing four to then winning four and playing brilliant football.

"It's a gradual process but the players were determined. We talked throughout the week about getting on the front foot and being positive and we have done it against a team who were lively."

The City chief said he was pleased with the number of chances York, with debutant Kieron Durkan providing the crosses from the right, had created having carved out so few in the 1-0 defeat at Hartlepool just the week before.

"I think the first half in particular was a very good game of football.," he said.

"We got the equaliser from a set piece which was pleasing - Kieron has delivered a good ball.

"In the second half when we were on top we have hit the bar twice, Bobby Mimms has saved two with his feet, and I thought we just lost a little bit of composure.

"But we had better shape tonight and one of these days we might get more than two goals but it is a welcome three points."

The City manager will not be without fresh problems for next week's trip to Southend with up to three of last night's back four missing

Definitely out are the suspended duo of Darren Edmondson and Mark Sertori, while Wayne Hall limped off midway through second-half last night clutching his thigh.

But Barry Jones will be available while central defender Gary Hobson is edging closer to fitness after a knee injury.