YORK City boss Russ Wilcox hailed his side’s “killer instinct” during a clinical 3-0 win at Cambridge United.

Wes Fletcher and Jake Hyde, reunited as striking partners in a 4-4-2 formation, both found the net, either side of a fluked Michael Coulson effort as the Minstermen finished off their hosts during a devastating 12-minute spell.

The victory saw Wilcox’s team move two points clear of the Sky Bet League Two drop zone and the City chief said: “The performance was right up there with the 3-0 win at Carlisle and was near-on perfect.

“The players got everything spot on and the game plan worked well. We knew they were a big team and we needed to stop them getting set-pieces and opportunities to put the ball in the box.

“We also got everybody back for corners because we knew we had to be nice and solid. Then, we had to be creative on the ball.

“We probably created more chances at Southend when we lost 1-0, but we showed that killer instinct we were missing there and we spoke at half-time about getting that next goal rather than sitting on a 1-0 lead.

“It’s a shame we can’t put on a performance like that at home and, although, it’s a huge three points, nothing has been achieved yet and there’s still a dozen games left to play.”

Fletcher made the breakthrough on 43 minutes when he fired in after the ball broke to him in the penalty box with Wilcox adding: “That was Wes at his best.

“I think he’s better when he’s being instinctive, rather than thinking too much about his finishing and over-complicating things.”

Coulson’s second goal appeared to be intended as a cross from the right but Wilcox welcomed a stroke of fortune, saying: “It was probably a cross but I don’t care.

“We were due that little bit of luck and it shows what can happen if you get the ball into the box between those sticks.”

Wilcox went on to praise the team’s third marksman, who was recalled for an ill Diego De Girolamo after serving a three-match ban.

“I think the game showed how much we have missed Jake,” the City boss explained. “He was involved in both goals at Luton before he was sent off and he holds the ball up to allow us to get up the pitch.”