HAVING been at the old Victoria Ground back in 1978 to witness the nightmare that was Blyth Spartans, I always cringe when we are drawn against a non-league side.

So when York took an early lead, the bad memories came flooding back.

Fortunately, our equaliser, by way of an own goal, came just a minute later, and when Ricardo Fuller scored again just a minute after that, my nerves were eased.

This game won't go down as a classic cup tie, but it was a game we needed to win.

Hopefully, Fuller will gain confidence from his goal and his man-of-the-match award and have his shooting boots on for the visit of Fulham.

The York victory was a pleasant break from the tensions of the Premier League, but it's back to reality on Tuesday.

The Cottagers are flying high ... it won't be easy.

SUE BRYAN, Meir Park

DESPITE the win, I wasn't pleased with our display. James Beattie and Liam Lawrence were absolutely dreadful and, for much of the match, York matched us.

The fact York turned up late didn't really help matters, but with the side Tony Pulis fielded it should have been far more comfortable that it was.

Special mention to Ricardo Fuller, though, who looked a class apart at times.

Anyway, a win is a win and we must take some positivity into Tuesday's massive match against Fulham.

JAMES KNOWLES, Eccleshall

TEN thousand Stokies braved the elements at "Ice Station Zebra", but respect must go to the more than 4,000 Minstermen, who actually got to the Brit before their team.

Although a packed away end erupted when York took the lead, their joy was short-lived as they then scored a great equaliser for us via a Rory Delap rocket throw.

Ricardo Fuller then put us in front from another Rory rocket.

A fantastic free-kick from Matt Etherington's left foot saw us cruise into the fourth round with our 100th FA Cup victory.

It was not a rout by any means, but the goal from the free-kick was worth all the hassle of getting to the game in the snow.

DAVE HARRISON, Eaton Park