Rochdale 2, York City 1

TRYING TO GET AHEAD: York City centre back Mark Sertori battles with Rochdale goal scorer Tony Ellis at Spotland

Frustrated York City chief Neil Thompson has called on his misfiring Minstermen to 'stand and deliver' after extending their run of games without a win to ten.

Bizarrely, despite Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Rochdale, City climbed one place to 19th courtesy of goal difference after fellow strugglers Exeter were hammered 5-0 by Rotherham.

But after two performances in the last week had promised a more concerted climb away from the danger zone, Thompson admitted the sense of frustration was even greater.

Conceding a few 'home truths' were aired in the dressing room after the match, he said: "You ask them to step on from our last two games and it was there for the taking but we failed to deliver and that disappointed me.

"People have got to stand up and be counted and learn our lesson."

Of concern to Thompson was the way City, after taking a 1-0 half-time lead, rolled over to concede two goals in a second-half seven minute blast.

"It was a poor game, really scrappy, nothing much happened and it was there for anyone who wanted it most and we had a great incentive when we got the goal.

"But I thought for 20 minutes second half we let them bully us, let them dictate, we gave away far too many free-kicks and the two goals from our point of view were shockers.

"It was schoolboy defending. We gave away a free-kick on the edge of the area for the first one when we shouldn't have done. They then get free delivery into the box and cause problems.

"The second goal was a lack of discipline from our point of view

"They came out the second-half and just put the ball into areas to influence the game more than we did.

"What disappointed me the first 20 minutes was they got all the second balls, all the knockdowns, they were first to the ball. It was only when they got the two goals that we started to play and created a few opportunities."

After such a long run without tasting victory, Thompson admitted City had forgotten how to win pointing out that their last six defeats had come by just the odd goal.

"We haven't really been turned over big time, its been nip and tuck and this was another example. It drives you absolutely potty.

"We have forgot how to win games and it is a habit.

"If I look at all the goals out of maybe the last ten we have conceded eight have been well preventable. The difference is we are giving people opportunities and they are taking them.

"We are giving people too much of a chance that is for sure."

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