York ended Doncaster's recent six-match winning run in the league, which saw them rise to second in the table, with a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win.
Midfielder Darren Dunning scored the only goal from a penalty on the hour after Lee Nogan was bundled down in a crowded box. The win now means the Minstermen are unbeaten themselves in their last 5 games.
City player-boss Chris Brass addressed the team's goalscoring problem during the week, by signing two strikers. Gary Browne, formally of Manchester City, signed a month's contract and made his debut while loan-signing Jon Shaw replaced Browne on 66 minutes to make his debut as well.
City were without striker Jon Parkin through suspension, and the ever-present midfielder Mitch Ward was missing through injury.
High-flying Doncaster welcomed back captain Steve Foster and on-loan striker Chris Brown, the pair both missing last Saturday's FA Cup defeat.
In a tight opening period of little real action, the only effort of note fell to York's new signing Browne. After chasing a long ball over the top, the lively striker fired in a shot from the edge of the area which Andy Warrington gathered low down.
From the restart, City made a positive tactical change, by pushing midfielder Bullock forward to support the front two. City created an early chance when Hope got on the end of Brass's right wing cross but Warrington saved well.
The former York City keeper almost embarrassed himself after racing out of his area to clear, his effort found Stephen Brackstone 40 yards out, who hit the ball goalwards but his looping effort was gathered by the retreating Warrington.
Browne turned on the edge of the box and flashed a shot narrowly wide, before City went ahead on 60 minutes.
Dunning's cross from the right was controlled on the edge of the box by Lee Nogan. He played a one-two with Bullock but was then bundled down in a packed area as he bore in on goal.
Referee Mr Wright had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, which Dunning hit low and left footed into Warrington's left hand corner.
As City looked for a second, Dave Merris who had a fine game for York, fired in a shot from fully 35 yards which was just wide.
Substitute Leo Fortune-West had the visitors best chance late on when his goalbound effort was deflected for a corner by a firm City defence.
Dunning almost got his second, shooting wide from 25 yards after a fine City build-up. Shaw, who replaced Browne, showed some fine touches up front and York should benefit from his loan stay.
Right at the death, the visitors almost salvaged a point when Michael McIndoe, who had a quiet game, fired into the side netting from a tight angle.