OPTIMISM has been in short supply at York City for longer than most long-suffering supporters care to remember.

Relegation from the League and a poor start to life in the Conference have been painful experiences for fans of a club that humbled Manchester United at Old Trafford less than a decade ago.

The galvanising effect new boss Billy McEwan has had since taking charge, however, has given KitKat Crescent regulars belated reason to hope for better times.

Last night's victory over runaway leaders Barnet, coupled with last week's win at Exeter, were City's first back-to-back wins in 14 months.

It is just a shame their third-lowest crowd of the campaign - 1,926 - turned up to witness the deserved victory.

Those that did attend, though, belted out the first chorus of "Billy Mac's Barmy Army" and, should the reign of City's new manager continue in the same vein it has started, then the stay-away spectators will surely return.

Minstermen fans are more wary of false dawns than most, but McEwan's attention to detail, demand for high standards and will to win are cause for encouragement. The tactical acumen he has displayed in his first three weeks at the club has also impressed.

Employing Kevin Donovan in a central role has given City a creative presence in the middle while Dave Merris' energy and Paul D Robinson's flair in more advanced positions has offered the team greater options on the flanks.

McEwan has demonstrated he is a manager who can identify problems, address them and provide solutions and, although a 4-5-1 system can be construed as negative, City illustrated last night that it offers attacking flexibility.

McEwan has as yet changed little defensively although he preferred the experience of Shaun Smith at left-back to Sean Davies' greater mobility.

That rearguard came under little pressure in the first half although top Conference marksman Giuliano Grazioli twice offered warnings of his prowess, sidefooting at Chris Porter from six yards and clipping the outside of a post.

It was the hosts, however, who edged the opening half and Barnet 'keeper Shane Gore was beaten a minute before the break with a beautifully-crafted goal.

Robinson's low cross was guided by Andy Bishop into the path of Donovan and the chief architect of City's brighter moments finished with immaculate composure.

Barnet levelled ten minutes after the break when Grazioli turned in Dwane Lee's low cross but City refused to buckle and, after Jon Maloney volleyed a great chance at Gore, the on-loan Doncaster defender made amends following the resultant corner when he stabbed in Darren Dunning's teasing cross.

Hard-working lone striker Bishop and Merris went close before the four minutes of stoppage time saw Porter dive at Simon King's feet and Bees substitute Liam Hatch fire over the visitors' final chance.

City were celebrating victory seconds later, one which was achieved with their manager orchestrating every movement like a London Philarmonic conductor.

York City 2 (Donovan 45, Maloney 68; Barnet 1 (Grazioli 58)

Porter 8, Law 8, Maloney 9, Groves 8, Smith 8, Paul D Robinson 9, Webster 8 , Donovan 9, Dunning 8, Merris 9, Bishop 9

Key: 10 - Faultless; 9 - Outstanding; 8 - Excellent; 7 - Good; 6 - Average; 5 - Below par; 4 - Poor; 3 - Dud; 2 - Hopeless; 1 - Retire

Subs not used: Stockdale, Yalcin, Davies, Paul Robinson, Grant.

Star man: Kevin Donovan - excellent first half display capped by a goal and stayed at the fulcrum of City's midfield after the break.

Barnet: Gore, Hendon, King, Yakubu, Clist, Strevens, Lee, Bailey, Graham, Roache (Hatch 70), Grazioli.

Subs (not used): Charles, Lopez, Millard, McBean.

Yellow cards: Merris 9, Webster 30, Donovan 75, Hatch 78, Grazioli 82.

Red cards: None.

Referee: Dave Foster (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

Rating: Puzzling, especially when he booked Donovan for a Bishop foul.

Attendance: 1,926

Weather watch: Cold again.

Game breaker: McEwan's City looked unlikely to let a lead slip for the second time after Maloney's goal.

Match rating: City now look capable of putting in 90-minute performances. Table-topping Barnet were second best.

thanks to churchlangbee