York City's first win of the 21st century and one that deserved its place in Bootham Crescent history.

MASSED RANKS: York City players pack their defence to deal with a Barnet set piece. From left to right, Matt Hocking, Lee Bullock, Scott Jordan, Barry Conlon, goalkeeper Bobby Mimms and Mark Sertori

Significantly, it brought City's 11-game search for victory to an end.

Crucially too, it is three promising and potent performances out of four now, suggesting the dour duel with Rochdale was just a blip in York's recent upturn in style and fortunes.

As pleasing for Neil Thompson will be the return of a water-tight rearguard and City's first shut-out since November.

High-flying Barnet arrived at Bootham Crescent with a reputation for goals but could not muster an effort on target until the 85th minute, and that a feeble header from substitute Ross Davidson that failed to trouble Bobby Mimms.

John Still's side enjoyed some neat and tidy approach play but that seemed to suit City, who got behind the ball in numbers and then, with possession gained, swept forward with a zip and sharpness.

If there was a blot on the City performance, it was that they failed to kill the Bees off. The Barnet goal was at City's mercy on a number of occasions in the second-half.

But that should not detract from a win that was richly deserved and shows, at last, a balance can be found between defensive resolve and penetrating attacking play.

Thompson, who had hinted at changes in midweek, recalled Martin Reed at right back, pushing Matt Hocking into midfield.

With Scott Jordan returning in the centre, Christian Fox took up patrol on the left and John Williams rejoined the attack alongside an inspired Barry Conlon.

Although such tactical tinkering was to reap its rewards, City were slow to find their rhythm in a windswept opening period.

Lee Bullock, ever-willing to get beyond the forwards, slammed an effort over the bar when he latched onto Williams' pull back but that apart it was windows rather than nets that were in greater danger as first Danny Brown for Barnet and then Fox for City fired speculative efforts out of the ground.

Route-one football in its truest form did see City find the back of the Barnet goal on 12 minutes.

Mimms kick from hand bounced once in the Bees' penalty area and then over opposite number Lee Harrison but referee Mike Dean was right to rule the goal out after Conlon clearly impeded the 'keeper as he went to make his catch.

Barnet initially posed the more serious threat. Bullock had to be alert to clear the ball off the head of a ready to pounce Scott McGleish while John Doolan was too close for comfort with a long range effort that curled around the post.

A first-time pass from Ken Charlery put Rob Sawyers out wide in space. His cross skimmed off the top of Mark Sertori's head and this time McGleish was able to connect but could only head the ball over the bar from just six yards.

The defining moment of the match perhaps came just moments later.

A swift tackle from Conlon saw him steal possession from a sleeping Mark Arber in the corner.

The Irishman, as sharp as a tack, looked up to see Harrison out of his goal and teased a delightful effort around the 'keeper but back off the post.

It deserved a goal but handed City the impetus and one was soon forthcoming.

Wayne Hall slipped in Fox out on the left and the youngster fired in a pinpoint cross on to the head of Hocking, who rose above the Barnet defence to score his second goal of the season.

After the break, City soaked up everything that Barnet had to offer - mostly speculative efforts from range - then rolled forward swiftly.

Williams headed over from another Fox cross and then saw a goal ruled out for offside when he poked home the teenager's cross-come-shot at the far post.

Harrison had to be alert to pluck Conlon's fizzer from out under the bar before a delicate effort from Bullock just sailed over.

A succession of Barnet corners meant it was still edge of the seat stuff but when City won the first challenges they invariably won the second too.

Indeed, in a frantic finale, it was as if City were chasing the game counting by the number of chances missed.

Bullock saw his low effort tipped away by Harrison into the path of Williams who hit the side netting. Then Conlon, twice through on goal, blazed over and dragged wide.

Deep into injury time, City seemed to have secured a penalty when Conlon was hauled down in the box.

Referee Dean pointed to the spot but was then alerted to the linesman who had raised his flag for an earlier handball.

No matter. One goal was enough for the Minstermen. Thompson's smile proved that.

Nationwide Division Three Saturday, January 29, 2000

York City 1, Barnet 0

YORK CITY: Bobby Mimms 7, Martin Reed 6, Barry Jones 8, Mark Sertori 8, Wayne Hall 7, Matt Hocking 7, Christian Fox 7, Scott Jordan 6, Lee Bullock 8, John Williams 7, Barry Conlon 8.

Subs unused: Russ Howarth, Craig Skinner, Neil Thompson, James Turley, Marc Williams.

Goals: Hocking 41 mins

Bookings: None

MAN OF THE MATCH

BARRY CONLON: Missed a couple of opportunites to score but unlucky to see one teasing effort hit the post. Lead the line, worked tirelessly and made a number of important clearances when called back to defend at set-pieces too.

Barnet: Lee Harrison, Sam Stockley (Ross Davidson 82mins) , Rob Sawyers (Ross Darcy 65 mins), Mark Arber, John Doolan, Ken Charlery, Darren Currie, Maike Basham, Warren Hackett (Gary Ansell 73mins), Scott McGleish, Danny Brown.

Subs unused: Paul Wilson, Danny Naisbitt

Goals: None

Bookings: Brown (19mins, time wasting), Hackett (61mins, foul)

Referee: Mike Dean (Eastham, Wirrall

Crowd: 2,497

City's next match: Saturday, February 5, versus Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium in the Nationwide Football League Division Three, kick-off 3pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.