YORK City enjoyed their second pre-season victory with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Sheffield FC.

The Northern Counties East League outfit may have been the weakest opposition, in terms of league standing, faced by the Minstermen so far but the sizeable City following were still treated to four clinically-finished goals from Dave Pounder (2), Clayton Donaldson and Ryan Mallon.

Had Donaldson, Andy Bishop, James Dudgeon, Joe O'Neill, Darren Dunning and Mark Convery converted easier chances the margin of victory would also have been more comprehensive than the 7-1 drubbing handed out at the same ground last month by City's opponents tonight Sheffield Wednesday.

Anchor man Emmanuel Panther's propensity to select the correct pass at all times once more saw him stand out as the pick of City's trialists before his half-time substitution.

He was closely followed though by Jamie Price, who impressed at right-back before being replaced at the interval.

Striker Donaldson looked dangerous in attack, with Sheffield struggling to contain his movement, culminating in an excellently-executed goal.

Wide-men Pounder and Mallon also pressed their claims for permanent contracts by joining Donaldson on the scoresheet.

Donaldson went close to opening the scoring three times before Pounder broke the deadlock on 30 minutes, sidefooting firmly into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Panther then released Donaldson on 38 minutes and the City striker expertly sidestepped one challenge before coolly rounding goalkeeper Darren Bonnington.

Sheffield pulled a goal back on 50 minutes when Farhad Afandiyev could only palm a Peter Davey cross on to Pete Smith's head.

But City's response was instantaneous with Mallon crashing a perfectly-struck, unstoppable rising drive into the top corner from 25 yards within seconds of the restart.

Convery then saw a deflected drive spin back off a post before Pounder's low drive made it 4-1, going in after striking Sheffield defender Ben Cressey on the line.

CITY: Afandiyev, Price (Mudd, 46), Merris, Panther (Convery, 46), Dudgeon (Staley 61), Hotte (Hollingsworth 46), Mallon, Dunning (Peat 61), Bishop (Winn, 71), Donaldson (O'Neill 46), Pounder. Sub not used: Reid.

Updated: 10:59 Monday, August 01, 2005