Pic: Andrew Vaughan
EMOTIONAL Gary Mills watched York City book a day out at Wembley – then told his battling players to make sure they’ve guaranteed their National League survival before they get there.
Substitute Scott Fenwick scored a controversial extra-time penalty to send the Minstermen back to the home of football, five years after their last visit.
That season Mills’ side did the double by beating Newport County in the FA Trophy before returning a week later to beat Luton Town in the play-off final and secure a Football League return.
But times have changed at Bootham Crescent and Mills, who returned for a second go in October, wants his side to make it a party in the capital after they’ve beaten the drop.
“It’s hard to sum up, I’m still emotional,” a teary-eyed Mills said after the final whistle. “To get Lincoln over two legs and come away winners is magnificent.
“We want to be celebrating there for one reason and one reason only – and that’s we’re still in this league. But that will give us a massive boost.
“I’ve told the players we’ve got to continue doing what we’re doing. That’s winning games and not losing. They’re doing that.
“It’s hard to put into words. It probably won’t sink in until tomorrow morning. I’m going to have a few drinks tonight and enjoy this.
“I’m just so pleased for everybody. I know I haven’t been here. But, from afar, I know what these fans must have been going through over the last few years.
“Hopefully this is the start of more success now. Keeping ourselves in this league is the most vital thing. I’m confident we will. I’ve got the players. Look at that fight today.”
York have, meanwhile, added 21-year-old former Barnet and Eastleigh left-back Sam Muggleton for the rest of the season.
