York City 2 Doncaster Rovers 0: Wilcox silences critics by denting Jones’s job prospects

For Russ Wilcox and Rob Jones, fearless defensive lieutenants in their day, there were stirring if contrasting motivations as they kicked and headed every ball from the sidelines in opposing technical areas last night.

It was inescapable not to notice a certain poacher and gamekeeper element to proceedings, with Wilcox seeking to consolidate his own position which was starting to look a touch tenuous after a poor recent run.

For Rovers’ interim-boss Jones, there was in all likelihood a last chance to make a positive impression before the club’s board conclude the interview process and decide upon Paul Dickov’s full-time successor.

Something had to give and it was Wilcox – eight days away from his first anniversary in charge of York – who came out smiling in the battle of two legendary centre-halves who will always occupy a special place in the hearts of Rovers supporters.

Wilcox secured his first win in six matches thanks to strikes early in each half from Vadaine Oliver – who showed why his manager rated him so highly when he signed him in the summer.

Perhaps just as importantly, the victory drew some of the sting from a section of irate Minstermen followers who had chanted for his dismissal in the club’s last two home matches.

By contrast, after watching his side secure a morale-boosting weekend derby win over Barnsley, it all fell rather flat for Jones, with rival managerial candidates Lee Clark and Neil Redfearn watching developments in the main stand last night.

Jones may have spoken about being comfortable with whatever decision Rovers’ major shareholders reach, but equally he has made it clear he covets the job.

In that respect, last night will have been a source of considerable frustration, particularly during a second half when he stood on the touchline getting soaked by torrential rain, which bucketed down from half-time onwards.

Rovers’ travel sickness, such an ailment so far this term, again afflicted them and they have now not won on the road since April 14.

Seeking to end their own meagre return, having not won at home since August 18, York shredded that statistic with a high-octane display full of desire and urgency and no little quality on occasions.

It proved too much for Rovers, who could have few complaints, with York following up their Capital One Cup success over Bradford City with another White Rose scalp.

Having been delighted with his side’s opening 60 minutes against Cambridge, Wilcox saw the Minstermen’s good side for the game’s entirety.

The return of Oliver for ineligible Rhys Turner was Wilcox’s sole change, while Jones fielded nine of the side who started against Barnsley.

There was encouragement for both bosses in a vibrant opening, but it was York who forged an early breakthrough.

Slick play found Anthony Straker on the left and with Rovers stretched, his lovely cross was headed home splendidly by the diving Oliver.

It was a blow for Rovers, who went close twice in quick succession prior to Oliver’s opener, with Scott Flinders beating away Dany N’Guessan’s powerful strike and a low shot from James Coppinger.

Harry Middleton then dragged a 20-yarder wide, but in the main, it was York, clearly handed a welcome injection of confidence after an early opener, who possessed the purpose and menace.

York moved the ball swiftly and targeted Rovers down the flanks, exposing them on several occasions, with their pace particularly on the break unhinging the visiting backline.

Rovers also looked slightly susceptible from set-pieces with Oliver heading just over from James Berrett’s centre.

York did survive a scare 10 minutes before the break when a flowing move ended in Keshi Anderson firing off target, but it was the hosts’ half with their lead more than merited.

After a perfect start to the first period, the Minstermen were afforded a re-run on the restart.

Oliver cashed in on hesitant defending and as the ball ricocheted towards goal, the striker won the footrace ahead of the advancing Thorsten Stuckmann and tucked the ball home after rounding the goalkeeper.

It proved a deflating moment for the visitors, with Marvin McCoy soon firing over as York smelt blood.

Rovers attempted vainly to make inroads to reduce the arrears, with their best moment coming 15 minutes from time when subsitute Harry Forrester’s shot was beaten away by Flinders.

Forrester also dragged a shot wide late on before a smart reaction save from Flinders denied fellow replacement Liam Mandeville a stoppage-time consolation.

York City: Flinders; McCoy, Lowe, McCombe, Ilesanmi; Collins, Penn, Berrett, Straker; Coulson (Carson 68), Oliver (Thompson 80). Unused substitutes: Ingham, Winfield, Sinclair.

Doncaster Rovers: Stuckmann; Horsfield, Butler, Taylor-Sinclair, Evina; Coppinger, Wellens, Middleton; N’Guessan, Anderson (Forrester 73), Williams (Mandeville 64). Unused substitutes: Keegan, Marosi, P McKay.

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne and Wear).