YORK CITY manager Steve Watson has said there can’t be too many positive take-aways from his side’s performance as they won 2-0 at Irlam in the FA Cup.

York, who are top of the Vanarama National League North, were expected to dominate against North West Counties League premier division side Irlam, who sit three tiers below City.

Despite what the scoreline may suggest, Irlam were competitive throughout and could have caused the Minstermen some more serious problems had they taken a host of chances early in the second half.

York’s class did eventually tell though, booking their place in the third qualifying round of the competition and for Watson that was the most important outcome.

“I don’t think that it was a classic, that’s safe to say!” reflected Watson.

“They do say that cup football is just all about making it through to the next round and we’ve done that, so that’s pleasing.

“But, we never got a grip of the game. We always looked a little bit last ditch. It wasn’t the best day for slick passing.

“It was quite dry and the pitch was a little bit bobbly. Fair play to Irlam. They didn’t come to defend, they asked us some questions, more questions than we expected.

“We’ll draw a line under it now and look towards a very important league game (against King’s Lynn).

“Apart from getting through to the next round of the FA Cup, there won’t be too many positives to take from that.

“It all about getting through to the next round of course, but I would have preferred a more accomplished performance where we really put our own stamp on the game and looked really professional and slick.

“It wasn’t one of those days, it was an ugly 2-0 win. We’ll wait and see who we get now in the next round.

“Ideally, we’d like a home draw. But we’ve had a good record away from home this year. We don’t mind travelling as long as it’s not too far.

“It’s nice to get through, but I’d be lying if I said that next week isn’t so much more important.”