Andy Gray scored two goals of real class as the Reds cruised to victory in their first official pre-season friendly.
New signings Jason Shackell, Jay McEveley, Jim O'Brien and Goran Lovre started the game whilst trialist Michael Boulding had to settle for a place on the bench.
The first half was a bit of a non-event if truth be told. The Reds looked good on the ball with Shackell particularly good at the back. The five-man midfield worked well together with Martin Devaney in good form.
Ex-skipper Stephen Foster was forced off for a spell when he got a whack on the face which drew blood. He was absent for about 10 minutes while he was stitched up and came back with a numberless shirt.
York did look good coming forward and could go one better in the Conference this season after losing in the playoff final last term. New signing George Purcell burst forward and brought a good diving save from Steele.
Purcell had another go that Steele clung onto before the Reds took the lead. Neat work down the left hand side and when Lovre found Foster, he found Andy Gray, who swivelled and curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Into the second half and the Reds did look like a very good, well managed side. Devaney picked up the ball outside his own area and sprinted towards the York goal and with Hume screaming for it, the winger carried on going and his greediness probably cost the Reds a goal, as he was eventually fouled and the free-kick wasted.
Hume did get involved soon after though as his ball from the left found Gray but his sliding shot was well saved by the York trialist goalkeeper.
Devaney again had the York defence at sixes and sevens as he found his way inside and after Sangare got a foot in for City, Hume bent a powerful shot high and wide.
York made a few changes and looked better going forward as Neil Barrett and Richard Brodie caused the Reds a few problems but with Steele and the defence looking in very good nick, there was no way through.
The Reds put the game beyond any doubt on 70 minutes. Hume chased down a loose ball towards the right wing and sent in a stunning cross which Gray met with a thumping header which hit the net via the inside of the post.
Hume and Gray were then replaced by Jamil Adam and Liam Dickinson and the two deputies looked sharp, especially the youngster Adam who really put himself about in the 15 minute run out.
Devaney nearly grabbed a third as he flicked the ball past a diving City tackle and his deflected volley was very well saved by the keeper.
A good performance from the Reds against a decent York City side will give them confidence going into Saturday's game with League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday.
Player Ratings:
Luke Steele: Didn't have a lot to do really but did things with minimal fuss. Got an earful from Doyle for not distributing the ball quicker which provided some amusement! 6
Bobby Hassell: Hasn't lost it! Very tidy and made a good run forward in the second half. 7
Jason Shackell: Very solid. Made some good tackles and his tall frame allowed him to win most balls in the air, even against City's 6'2" striker Michael Rankine. 8
Stephen Foster: Forced off early after a whack in the face but looked strong and complimented Shackell well. 7
Jay McEveley: Didn't look 100% fit but linked up well with Devaney. 6
Iain Hume: Had a really good game, looked fit and sharp and of course that outstanding cross for Gray's second goal. 8
Jim O'Brien: Passed the ball around well but looked lost in central midfield. When on the wing he supplied some good crosses. 7
Nathan Doyle: Hmm, anonymous. Haven't we heard that before? 5
Goran Lovre: Made some good passes and came forward with purpose. Looks like if he's utilised properly he'll be a good asset. 7
Martin Devaney: He was on fire! Extremely greedy at times but struck real fear into the York full-backs, could've had a goal towards the end too. 8
Andy Gray: Two fine goals capped off a fine display. Held the ball up really well and his two finishes were those of a good striker. 9
Subs:
Jamil Adam (for Hume 75): Quick lad who showed some nice touches. 6
Liam Dickinson (for Gray 75): Fast for a tall lad and made one great tackle after chasing down a lost ball. 6
Unused: Preece, Branson, Fearnehough, Hammill, Butterfield, Potter, Noble-Lazarus, Taylor, Bennett, Boulding.
Reds man of the match: Andy Gray. - Two brilliant goals and fine hold up work showed Robins that he should keep hold of the striker.
York City: Trialist A, Meredith, Smith, Parslow, Lawless, Purcell, Carruthers, Sangare, Rankine, Trialist B, Trialist C.
Subs: Gash, Barrett, Brodie, Mackin, Lisles, McWilliams, Hopcutt, Andrew, Richardson, Trialist D, Trialist E.
Attendance: 1,393 - 595 from Barnsley.