York City 1 Histon 0: Match-winner Reed could be the answer to strike problems as Mills sees his Minstermen take another important step towards play-offs

York are well-placed to achieve their aim, seventh from the top, two points behind Fleetwood with two games in hand and four behind Kidderminster with one game in hand.

Five of York’s remaining eight fixtures are at Bootham Crescent so they must have every chance, although they have still to meet runaway leaders Crawley home and away in addition to entertaining third-placed Luton Town.

Manager Gary Mills has rejuvenated a good squad with a few new signings since he took over in October, the only weakness being the lack of a recognised goal-scorer, a gap never filled following the transfer of Richard Brodie to Crawley in August.

A total of 47 goals in 38 matches needs to be improved, the club’s success resting heavily on a solid defence, which boasts 17 clean sheets.

Michael Rankine is leading scorer on 13 goals, followed by Leon Constantine (7) and Jamie Reed, who has notched six goals in 15 appearances and could be the answer with a bit more experience.

On Saturday, York dominated much of the game and should have been home and dry by the interval. Struggling Histon, with only eight wins in 38 matches posed no threat, Michael Ingham in the home goal spending an armchair 90 minutes.

York’s poor finishing ensured a worrying afternoon for their supporters; David McDermott, who could have had a hat-trick, being the chief culprit.

Rankine shot inches wide and then too high with two more opportunities and was then thwarted by a fine save from Wes Foderingham.

Winger Peter Till was always dangerous and it was fitting that he should set up the winner. He got the ball just outside the penalty area and then beat four defenders in a mazy dribble before crossing low from the left for Reed to nudge home from a yard out.

As for Histon, a tiny club north of Cambridge, they appear doomed but can at least drop down with the knowledge that other clubs can learn lessons from their splendid hospitality to visitors.

Mills said: “The game should have been over at half-time but we missed so many chances after being very attack-minded.

“We passed the ball well and got in behind them down the flanks. The most important thing is that we got another three points. I will be very disappointed if we don’t make the play-offs.”

York City: Ingham; Darville, McGurk, Parslow, Meredith; McDermott, Carruthers (72), Kerr, J Smith; Reed, Rankine (Chambers 87), Till. Unused substitutes: Barrett, Constantine, Boucaud.

Histon: Foderingham; Esafe-Adjaye, Clerima, Livermore, Mills; Cox (Taaffe 56), Stevenson, L Smith, Sparkes; Rize, Murray (Atwood 66). Unused substitutes: Stewart, Lawton, Dowle.

Referee: S Duncan (Newcastle).

Man of the match: Peter Till.