York City boss was full of praise for debutant Kieran Darlow who made the leap from youth team to first team and turned in a fine performance, writes Dave Stanford.

Darlow, only 17, admitted his fast-track elevation to the senior ranks had come as a bolt out of the blue.

He hadn't even played for the reserves until earlier this month when he came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the second string's last match of the season, the 4-2 victory over Scunthorpe United.

"I never expected it but the last two weeks have been just brilliant," said Darlow, a former Tadcaster Grammar School pupil who was only told of his call-up to the senior squad on Friday.

"It was a great feeling to play for York City. I have been at the club since I was 12 so this was a dream come true."

After a handful of surging runs and fine crosses the youngster even had the City faithful chanting his name.

"It was a really special feeling when the crowd got behind me and I could feel the nerves go then.

"I was feeling quite confident but the other lads were giving me plenty of encouragement and keeping me going."

Dolan admitted he was delighted with Darlow's performance, only the second time he has seen him in action after his fleeting appearance for the reserves.

"He took players on with ease and he was playing against a very experienced right back out there in Chris Wilder," he said.

"It was pleasing for a youngster to come into the team unexpectedly and not look out of place."