York City 2 Morecambe 1: McNamara finally hits lift off as Minstermen escape bottom two

York took a 38th-minute lead through Dave Winfield’s first half header with the home advantage doubled seven minutes after the interval through James Berrett’s low drive.

Jamie Devitt set up a tense finale by pulling a goal back for Morecambe just two minutes later but York held on for a crucial three points.

The Minstermen are now up to 22nd, two points clear of bottom two Yeovil Town and Dagenham & Redbridge.

McNamara admitted: “The win feels like a great relief because it’s been a long time coming but everyone played their part in the victory, from the players to the management staff to the fans.

“They helped us during that last bit when we were under pressure and the lads will get a big lift from that.

“It should have been more comfortable by then but we conceded a poor goal and that made it a bit nervy when they threw people forward.

“We didn’t take our opportunities to get a third and a fourth goal and that gave them a lift.

“Young Bradley Fewster had a couple of good opportunities that he was unlucky not to score with and we then had a few scares at the end.

“I think everyone can see we are starting to move the ball around better and we’re creating good chances with purposeful play.

“We also looked solid at the back and I thought Dave Winfield was outstanding for us, scoring a goal and clearing one off the line.”