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Courtney Pitt

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Mansfield 0-1 York

York City gave their promotion push a major fillip at Field Mill on Tuesday with victory over play-off rivals Mansfield.

Courtney Pitt's goal just past the hour mark separated the teams on the night but the result sees the Minstermen move into fifth in the Blue Square Premier with 61 points while David Holdsworth's outfit stay ninth on 53.

The visitors edged the early exchanges and had the first chance when Michael Gash fired a shot straight at Alan Marriott.

Stags defender Jon Challinor made a timely block on Richard Brodie's effort to ensure that the league's top scorer did not add to his tally.

A few minutes later Ben Purkiss nutmegged Andy Nicholas and with space to shoot, he slammed his effort into the side-netting before Neil Barrett saw his effort flash wide of the upright.

The men from Yorkshire wasted a wonderful chance to break the deadlock just past the 60-minute mark when Gash headed Paul Harsley's free-kick just wide of Marriot's goal.

But the miss proved inconsequential as Pitt darted in-field from the left and went past Gary Silk before unleashing a wicked drive that had the beating of Marriot.

The hosts were left reeling by this goal and Pitt weaved his magic again to win a penalty after he was fouled in the box.

Brodie was the man to take responsibility for the spot-kick but Marriott went the right way to pull off a sensational save.

Sensing a shift in the game's momentum, Holdsworth made a triple change and asked his men to chase the game.

Substitute Speight made an impact as he created an opening for Challinor who saw his shot well saved by Michael Ingham.

But thoughts of a comeback were shortlived as the Stags were reduced to ten men in the 82nd minute when Luke Foster was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Mansfield bookings: Nicholas, Perry, Foster (sent off)

York bookings: Sangare, Gash.

Att: 2,638.

Ref: Stephen Martin