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Wilcox praise for Burton

Image: Russ Wilcox: Hails striker influence

Russ Wilcox hailed Deon Burton after he helped York claim only their second league win of the season a 1-0 win over Cheltenham.

Diego De Girolamo's first-half goal handed the Minstermen a first victory under new boss Wilcox but strike partner Burton's wise presence was vital, especially in the second period when Cheltenham had the visitors on the ropes. It was the 38-year-old Jamaica international's York debut after joining on loan from Scunthorpe and, despite suffering from a virus, he lasted 88 minutes. Wilcox, who replaced Nigel Worthington as boss two and a half weeks ago, said: "Deon showed us in glimpses what he is all about, what he will bring to the group and what he brings with his leadership qualities. "Those qualities calmed us down and helped us see out the game." York, who had conceded several last-gasp goals during the season, endured an anxious last 20 minutes with Robins' Terry Gornell heading over when unmarked inside the six yard box and York keeper Aleksander Cisak twice parrying efforts from Byron Harrison. But the result made it three games unbeaten under Wilcox and was a vital confidence boost. "It's important as a new manager to get off the mark." said the York boss. "We were so, so close the other week at Morecambe and to see it out here was very pleasing. "It was certainly a game of two halves. We dominated the first half and could have, should have been out of sight. "At 1-0 there are always going to be some hairy-scary moments and Cheltenham had their chances but had that little bit of luck. Over the 90 minutes, we deserved to win the game." In the first half, however, it seemed York's luck was out when De Girolamo raced 40 yards after winning possession but smashed a fierce shot against the post. But the on-loan Sheffield United striker earned his reward in the 43rd minute, taking a clever pass from Michael Coulson in his stride, holding off his marker and slotting his right-footed shot through the legs of keeper Trevor Carson. "It was a fantastic goal," said Wilcox. "We were brave on the ball and it was a great pass and finish." Cheltenham's rally after the interval set up a grandstand finish but Robins boss Mark Yates was furious at his side's 'awful' first-half showing. He apologised to the Whaddon Road fans and admitted he had questioned his side's desire as York took controlled. "I was pretty angry at half time," he said. "We were bullied physically, outplayed and York could have had a few more goals. "We were far better in the second half and with better finishing we could have won the game. We had two shots in the first half and 16 in the second. Terry Gornell could have had a couple of goals and so could Byron Harrison. But that first half cost us. "We're not kidding ourselves that the first-half performance was anywhere near good enough." Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club - delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts

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