YORK City manager Billy McEwan says he's expecting the Minstermen's Conference play-off semi-final clash with Morecambe to be a "tremendous battle".

Midfielder Neal Bishop's spectacular first-half volley secured City a 1-0 win over Oxford, a post-season berth, and a home semi-final first leg with the league's form team on Friday (8pm).

But while McEwan said he was delighted with the achievement of his players, he was hopeful they could go now on to greater things with City just two games away from Wembley.

"I thought our players lived for the moment (against Oxford). We said focus on the game and the rest will take care of itself'.

"That's what we've got to do in the play-offs. We have to take each game as it comes and see what the outcome is," McEwan said.

"It will be a tough game. We know Morecambe. They know us. It will be two tremendous battles for a big prize.

"It has been a long arduous season and we're just pleased we have got something to show at the end of it.

"We are pleased that in a short space of time there has been progression at this football club and I am pleased for the fans who have had ten or 11 years of dismal stuff to watch. It was great to see their happy faces at the end. It was just fantastic.

"We are not getting carried away. We've had a good season so far, it has been extended. We are delighted with that.

"I have to congratulate my players. They've been outstanding this season. They have bypassed last season's team by a mile and they have set the standards and hopefully there is bit more success in the next few weeks also."

The Minstermen have already faced Morecambe three times this season, losing 3-2 at KitKat Crescent in September, falling 2-1 in December in the FA Trophy on the coast before recording a stunning 3-1 away success on New Year's Day.

While McEwan is aware it will be tough, he admitted his dream was to walk out at Wembley with Oxford boss Jim Smith, his friend and former boss at Derby County.

Added McEwan: "The pressure is on at home and teams will come out and set their stall out and be difficult to break down as they always are.

"We are not under any illusions. It will also be tough when we go there. We will prepare the way we prepare for all our away games.

"We have got a very good away record and hopefully we can keep that going. We have taken 44 points away from home with 13 wins and five draws. Unbelievable, isn't it?

"But that's the dream - for me and Jim to walk out at Wembley. It would be a real story-book tale for a lot of people in football."


Nationwide Conference play-offs

Semi-finals

Friday, May 4: First legs - Exeter City v Oxford United (8pm), York City v Morecambe (8pm).

Monday, May 7: Morecambe v York City (5pm).

Tuesday, May 8: Oxford United v Exeter City (8pm).

One of the first legs will be televised live by Sky, who have yet to select which match they will cover. Both second leg games will be televised live by Sky.

Ups and downs

Dagenham & Redbridge finished as champions. St Albans, Southport, Tamworth and Altrincham were relegated.

Droylsden champions of Nationwide North. Kettering, Workington, Hinckley United and Farsley Celtic in play-offs.

Histon champions of Nationwide South. Sailsbury City, Braintree Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Bishop's Stortford in play-offs.