Joe O'Neill's hat-trick was the first three-goal debut by a York City player for 51 years.

The legendary Arthur Bottom was the last player to achieve the feat, netting his treble in a 6-2 Division Three North win at Wrexham when Norman Wilkinson (2) and Sam McNab were also on the scoresheet. City went on to reach the FA Cup semi-finals that season.

Gary Bull was the last York City player to hit a hat-trick in March 1996. His treble came at Wrexham again during a 3-2 Division Two (now League One) victory.

Last night was the first time York City have scored four goals or more in an away League win for more than ten years. The last occasion was in April 1995 when Paul Baker (2), Steve Bushell, Jon McCarthy and Graeme Murty were the marksmen in a 5-0 success at Blackpool. City did score four times at Rochdale in February 2002 but lost a nine-goal Division Three thriller with Chris Brass, Lee Bullock, Peter Duffield and Michael Proctor on target.

In the FA Cup, the Minstermen netted four times and won in November 2000 when goals from Scott Jordan, Bullock, Graham Potter and David McNiven secured a 4-1 first round success at Radcliffe Borough.

Updated: 11:37 Wednesday, August 17, 2005