SAMMY McIlroy hailed his battling Shrimps after the 0-0 draw in the first leg of the play-off semi-final at York on Friday night.

The tie is evenly balanced ahead of Monday's return and McIlroy says: "The boys worked so hard and if I had been asked before the game whether we would take 0-0 at York I would have said yes.

"This tie is nowhere near over though. They will come to Christie Park to try and win - but it should make for a fascinating night and should really get the fans going."

McIlroy tinkered with his system ahead of the game and played Ged Brannan in front of the back four.

"I had a game plan and it worked," adds the Ulsterman. "I didn't want to go there all gung-ho and get beaten three or four one.

"And although York had plenty of the ball they didn't create too much and their attempts on goal were nothing too difficult for Drenchy to deal with.

"And we probably had the best chance to win it when Wayne Curtis had a shot saved - but the referee gave a goal kick.

"But we have given ourselves a great chance."