FORMER Darlington goalkeeper Adam Bartlett was the star of the show as York City claimed a 3-2 win at Alfreton Town.

Just four days after swapping Blackwell Meadows for Bootham Cresent, Bartlett kept out Bradley Wood’s penalty to justify Martin Gray’s decision to take him with him to North Yorkshire.

Gray added to his former Darlington contingent over the weekend as he confirmed the appointment of Brian Atkinson as York’s new first-team coach.

“He (Bartlett) made some great decisions with balls across his goal, and had a really strong debut,” said Gray, who was appointed as York boss last month. “The penalty was well taken, and hit with plenty of pace, so it was an outstanding save.

“He talks, organises, has lots of experience and will only get better when he gets to know the personnel and his back four because, for me, he’s the best keeper in the division.”

York claimed a 13th-minute lead at the weekend, with Aidan Connolly scoring via the post after some good approach play from Alex Whittle.

Alfreton equalised shortly after the half-hour mark as Cieran Keane scored via a deflection off Josh Law, but York reclaimed the lead seven minutes after the break as Jon Parkin converted Connolly’s cross.

The Minstermen were pegged back again shortly after, with Brendan Daniels converting a free-kick via the underside of the crossbar, but Parkin scored York’s third goal with 20 minutes left as he slammed home a penalty after Tom Platt was sent off for hauling down Gary Martin.

There was still time for some late drama when Alfreton were awarded a penalty after Sean Newton was adjudged to have handled from a corner, but Bartlett threw himself to his right to keep out Wood’s spot-kick.

“I don’t want to be negative because it’s a fantastic three points and the first back-to-back wins since I took charge,” said Gray. “But we’ve got to get back to being stronger and really hard to beat. I’d love to win a game 1-0.”

York: Bartlett; Law, Parslow, Bencheriff, Whittle; Connolly (Ferguson 70), Rowe (Morgan-Smith 55), Moke, Newton; Parkin, Martin (Gray 73).