Sticking together

Saturday's last-gasp 2-1 win over high-flying Hartlepool was City's third in succession and stretched their unbeaten run to five games.

But it was the Minstermen's binding commitment to the cause so soon after dispatching Lincoln in midweek that had Dolan forthcoming in his praise.

"The one thing that is very difficult to do these days is to win two home games in the space of a week but we have managed to do that on top of getting a win at Shrewsbury so full marks to the players for sticking at it.

"It was a tough game on Tuesday, to stick at it for another 90 minutes was important and pleasing."

John Williams fired City in front on 12 minutes with his first goal at Bootham Crescent.

United equalised through James Coppinger less than ten minutes into the second half and the game seemed destined to finish honours even until Colin Alcide scored two minutes into stoppage time.

Dolan admitted Alcide's strike, only his second following his £80,000 switch from Hull, was perfectly timed.

"It was nip and tuck, they probably had more of the possession but we did the more damage.

"When they got the equaliser you would have expected a team in Hartlepool's position to take the game to us but we stuck at it, made one or two changes, and the goal came just at the right time.

"It's nice to see the ball being passed around but you have got to have an end product and fortunately we had the end product on two occasions."

Dolan admitted having players like Alcide, returning from a long lay-off, and a clutch of new signings, like debutant Darren Edmondson, was aiding City's cause to climb clear of the relegation zone as the season enters its final furlong.

"The players that we have brought in are all relatively fresh and are all keen to play first team football. It is not a case of getting to the stage of the season where everyone looks weary and tired.

"Peter Swan has not played that much because of his injury, Darren has played reserve team football at Huddersfield, Mark Bower and Peter Hawkins had not had first team football until they came here so they have all got something to prove.

"I think that has helped us and with players like Darren coming in we are flexible enough to change things as the game is going along."

Match winner Colin Alcide revealed how Hartlepool had settled for a draw prior to his late goal.

"I could hear their players telling each other to keep it tight, they were happy for a point.

"We were able to use that to our advantage because they sat back, thinking they had already got a point.

"Hopefully, I can get a few more games in until the end of the season now and get myself on the scoresheet more - if I get one a game I will be happy.

"We are performing well enough to be safe and we want to carry on this type of form into next season."

Midfield cog Steve Agnew said confidence and consistency provided the foundations for City's upturn in fortunes.

"I think in this league you need consistency and we have shown that over the last couple of weeks.

"Effort, hard work and organisation are a big part of this league as well. Over the last month we have shown more resilience, more organisation within the team, and it has showed with the results.

"Confidence is a major factor too and now we are winning games gives you confidence."

Agnew also praised his central midfield partner, Kevin Hulme, as the pairing continued their run of not having been beaten when starting a match together.

"He is a ball winner and a tough competitor," said Agnew. "He is as good as anybody in this at what he does and he complements me because he gets me the ball.

"It is a good balance and it shows in the results."

Barry Conlon's interview on Sky TV's Soccer AM on Saturday had to be cancelled at the 11th hour.

Programme makers had to cut the Irish striker after the four-hour live show overran. They hope to feature Conlon in a future show.

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