York City continue to fire blanks in terms of victories this season but once again had enough chances to win comfortably against Barrow at Bootham Crescent.

A combination of wayward finishing and plain misfortune leaves the Minstermen still without a win this season and currently languishing third from bottom of the table. But once again they racked up the chances with the recalled Jonathan Smith driving over the bar after Barrow's on loan goalkeeper Alan Martin had fended off an early Michael Gash effort, while Richard Brodie then stumbled at the vital moment after sweeping past the challenge of Martin inside the area.

York continued to attack with Djoumin Sangare (twice) and Neil Barrett both threatening with headers before Barrett also hoisted a rising drive over just before the break. The only real effort from the visitors had earlier come from a speculative long-range Mark Boyd attempt over the crossbar.

Boyd did though finally force a save of note from Michael Ingham with a deflected strike after the interval, although that was after Alex Lawless had already seen a 25-yard shot diverted wide. York then introduced Michael Rankine and he soon headed a Gash cross behind before Barrett's strong drive proceeded to warm the fingertips of Martin.

However, it was the appearance of York's second substitute Peter Till (right) that launched a fresh wave of home attacks, when he firstly crossed for James Meredith to head at the keeper before then releasing Danny Parslow to supply Gash, who turned sharply and struck a right-footed shot across goal and inches wide of the post.

Then in a final bid to snatch the points, York boss Martin Foyle threw on another winger in David McDermott for the out-of-form Brodie, and he soon had a 25-yard attempt turned behind by Martin. Rankine was in turn denied on the line at the corner before Till drilled a deflected shot against an upright from the follow-up.

Fellow substitute Rankine also headed wide from a Gash cross just before the end as the winning goal somehow continued to escape the unfortunate home side, who next entertain bottom club Altrincham at the weekend.