YORK'S hopes of escaping relegation shone brightly in the sun at Bootham Crescent on Saturday (March 8).

But Blackpool FC's hopes of a play-off place became dimmer as the Seasiders slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Minstermen.

The Seasiders started brightly enough when, after two minutes, Ellis broke down the right and crossed the ball into the penalty area, only to see Quinn head over the bar.

York's goal came after 19 minutes when John Gilbert, on loan from West Brom, whipped in a corner which was met by defender John Sharples. Sharples volleyed the ball hopefully towards goal, the Blackpool defence were nowhere in sight and the ball hit the post and bobbled, almost apologetically, over the line.

York were more than happy to cling desperately to their lead and the pressure for the remainder of the game all came from the Seasiders.

Linighan forced an excellent save from goalkeeper Andy Warrington with a downward header on 67 minutes and Ellis had the ball in the net on the half-hour mark, only to be ruled offside.

On 51 minutes, the 900 Seasiders fans held their breath as Gilbert hit a 12-yard strike which was heading straight for the net.

Banks was the Seasiders' saviour, diving to his right to pull of a fabulous save.

Blackpool nearly equalised on 81 minutes when a shot from Ellis rebounded to Clarkson on the edge of the six- yard box.

Clarkson shot, only to see Warrington emulate his opposite number with an excellent stop.

Blackpool couldn't find a way through and fell to their first away defeat of 1997.

Blackpool play local rivals Preston North End at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (March 15). Kick-off is at noon for the all-ticket match.

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