New signing Leon Constantine stepped off the bench to inspire his new side to victory against Rushden & Diamonds at Bootham Crescent.

York boss Martin Foyle turned his attentions to the well-travelled striker - who had been without a club and maintaining his own fitness levels by playing regular games of five-a-side since being released by Hereford United at the end of last season -  following the loss of leading striker Richard Brodie in the transfer window.

And the 32-year-old made an instant repayment after being introduced as a second-half substitute for Michael Gash by netting on his debut - only two minutes after setting up Peter Till for the opening goal of an always tight encounter.

Michael Rankine had already missed a couple of chances against his former club early in the second period. First the bustling striker headed wide from a Till corner within a minute of the restart before soon volleying over from inside the area following another Till assist. Gash also miskicked when handily placed from a lovely Neil Barrett lay-off after more good work from the lively Till.

The opening half produced little in the way of meaningful opportunities. Lewwis Spence sent a decent effort over from distance for the visitors on ten minutes, while Ryan Charles headed behind a Rene Howe cross. York goalkeeper Michael Ingham also had to block at Howe's feet after the on loan Peterborough United striker had burst past David McGurk.

The Minstermen had already been forced into an early reshuffle after Djoumin Sangare required stitches to a head wound and was replaced by Duane Courtney, with Danny Parslow moving across to his more accustomed role in central defence.                                                        A goal on his debut for Leon Constantine

Their best moment had arrived when Gash headed back a Rankine cross on 38 minutes and Diamonds keeper Dale Roberts got there just ahead of Jonathan Smith. Rankine also wasted a chance right on the stroke of half-time after being sent clear by Alex Lawless - only to take the wrong option and allow Curtis Asano to make a recovering challenge

But it was the introduction of former Leeds United striker Constantine on 63 minutes that was to turn a game that had rather looked destined to remain scoreless, as with renewed vigour York suddenly began to appear more dangerous.

They were rewarded with fourteen minutes remaining when Till claimed his second goal of the season after seizing upon a flick on from Constantine and driving his finish underneath goalkeeper Roberts.  

Two minutes later the contest was settled as Lawless delivered a free-kick towards the far post, where Constantine forced in from close-range with the aid of a deflection and the inside of  the left-hand upright.