Rankine's penalty against Newport was his 14th goal of the season

York City striker Michael Rankine says he was "brave" to take a penalty against Newport, a week after missing a spot-kick at Kettering.

The Minstermen beat County 2-1 to boost their promotion play-off chances in Blue Square Bet Premier.

"I missed at Kettering and got a bit of stick for it, which I wasn't happy about," Rankine told BBC Radio York.

"It takes a brave man, even if I do pat myself on the back, to get back up and take another one."

He added: "I beat myself up enough when I missed so when I scored against Newport I was delighted.

"All the boys were behind me over taking it."

Rankine won the penalty himself early in the second half, before driving it into the bottom right-hand corner.

York City manager Gary Mills said: "Credit to Ranks, a week on he gets a penalty and sticks it in the back of the net.

"I don't care who you are or what you say, it takes a lot of guts to do that so all credit to him."

Former City striker and BBC Radio York summariser Chris Jones added: "It took a lot of guts and character to stand up there after missing last week's penalty, and stick that one away."

York's promotion hopes were fading at half-time, as they were being held 0-0 while all of their play-off rivals were winning.

But York edged the victory, while Wrexham and Kidderminster dropped points.

"It's a massive win, we're aiming high, trying to get up and take the club to where it should be," Rankine added.

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