VARIOUS MATCH REPORTS
Leeds United 4-0 Blackpool: Whites demolish Tangerines in pre-season friendly
After a slightly delayed kickoff, the first match of Leeds' public pre-season campaign got underway, with the regarded 'home' side making the better start.
With just four minutes on the clock, Junior Firpo's sprint down the left wing resulted in his cross into the danger area finding Joe Geldhardt, who looped it over the 'keeper from point-blanc range, however his early goal was rightly chalked off for an offside call.
Five minutes later, Leeds had their opener, through unlikely goalscorer Robin Koch, and it stood this time around. Firpo was at it again on the left hand side, and rolled it in towards the defender who made no mistake in tapping home, with Blackpool 'keeper Chris Maxwell left stranded on the opposite side of his goal.
Guisborough Town 0-3 Scarborough Athletic: Seadogs do the double
Scarborough began the better of the finalists, as Brad Plant acted as the driving force, showing off some fantastic skills on the wing in the opening five minutes, before creating the first chance of the game - Plant played in a pacy Luca Colville who did get himself in on goal, but failed to get the better of Guisborough’s Robert Dean, the ‘keeper smothering it and clearing up the danger.
It was a short while before The Seadogs almost broke the deadlock again, with a red shirt striking just wide of goal, before captain Will Thornton called the ‘keeper into action with a dodgy header.
Guisborough had their first opportunity 26 minutes in, when Ben Jackson broke down the left and tried a shot from an acute angle, but had it deflected out for a corner.
Plant was back on the scene again for Boro as he tested Dean from a dangerous position, but the ‘keeper managed to palm it back out, then the ball was down the other end, The Priorymen's Jackson cut inside and saw his shot also deflected over the crossbar.
The best chance of the first half came just after the half hour mark, and former-York man Will Jarvis tried a powerful driven effort, which everyone thought was going in, but instead came back out off the post.
Moments later, Joe Bartliff was denied by ‘keeper Ryan Whitley, the Guisborough man only just prodding it straight at his opposing ‘keeper, but not able to open the scoring.
LISTED below are just some of the match reports i have written on york city - these are regularly produced by the yorkshire times, jorvik radio AND VAVEL.
2022/23
York City 2-3 Middlesbrough: City fall short as Boro are victorious
Just one minute had passed when Championship outfit Middlesbrough first threatened Ethan Ross in the York goal - Anfernee Dijksteel picked up the ball about 25 yards out and fired one at the target which Ross had to punch over and out of danger.
Boro made it count at the second time of asking though - Josh Coburn's darting run into the box started up the chance, and all he had to do was knock it across to a poaching Sonny Finch who tapped home into an empty net.
Ross was forced into his second save of the match just shy of 20 minutes in, as attacking midfielder Riley McGree was let in on goal and with just him and the 'keeper, McGree failed to make his chance count.
It wasn't long before City fans learnt the quality of their new man between the sticks. He was tested yet again and responded with a fantastic double save from close range.
There was no doubt about who was going to take all the praises for York, even before the half time interval. Ross was the equivalent to a rock in the home goal as he managed to block a shot from Boro first-teamer Matt Crooks with his body.
York's first opportunity of the friendly came just seconds after the tannoy announcement regarding injury time, returnee Scott Burgess getting the ball on the edge and trying a driven effort, however easily dealt with and held by Liam Roberts.
2021/22
*MAJORITY OF photos are taken by myself
York City 2-0 Boston United: City Promoted Back To The National League
It was a dream start for The Minstermen, as they took the lead with just five minutes on the clock. A throw into the box from the left couldn’t be cleared by Boston, and fell to John-Lewis, who brought it down and fired it into the bottom corner, his fifth goal in six greeted by a deafening roar.
Both sides came close shortly after, as Luke Shiels fired well over from inside the area for The Pilgrims, before City’s Paddy McLaughlin also did the same, missing the target completely.
Visiting striker Danny Elliott wasn’t far away from finding the equaliser on 25 minutes, but from a few yards out, scuffed his half-volley with a miskick that evaded Pete Jameson’s goal frame.
However, it wasn't long before the hosts were looking dangerous again - a good spell of possession resulted in a goalbound effort glanced away, which was followed by a long range Akil Wright shot rising into the North Stand.
Eight minutes before the break, veteran striker Clayton Donaldson tried a looping effort, which looked to be heading in, but only for the crossbar, which came to the Boston ‘keeper’s rescue.
York City 2-1 Chorley: City advance their promotion hopes
Just 10 minutes in, a deafening noise was forced out of the home crowd, as Lenell John-Lewis found the opener with a brilliant chipped finish. A ball over the top found the in-form striker, and he did the rest, lobbing the Chorley ‘keeper from 25 yards.
Six minutes later, The Minstermen had their second attempt on target, as Mitch Hancox squared it to captain Paddy McLaughlin, but his shot went straight down the ‘keeper’s throat.
Chorley soon had their first opportunity, but it was a tame one from Millenic Alli, who’s distanced effort didn’t really trouble Pete Jameson.
The visitors’ second chance did end in glory though - a free kick on 25 minutes was headed back across goal, allowing Connor Hall to merely squeeze it in, past Jameson at the far post.
York looked to regain their lead shortly after, with an inch-perfect cross from Hancox finding Jack McKay, but he could only knock it out of play, McLaughlin so close to getting a touch.
The home side, and most of the stadium thought they had the goal they were searching for, minutes before half time, but Magpies’ ‘keeper Matt Urwin came flying out of nowhere to stop Hancox’s brilliant half-volley, meaning the scores were kept level at the break.
York City 2-1 AFC Fylde: Minstermen secure playoffs
York started on the front foot, Lenell John-Lewis with a wild attempt from the edge of the area two minutes in, but unfortunately for him, it drifted wide of the target.
John-Lewis came close again six minutes later, finding himself in on goal, but his tame effort was easily held by Bobby Jones.
Not long after, it was the visitors’ turn to threaten - Fylde’s Luke Joyce picked the ball up just inside the box and tried a driven shot, which only just missed Pete Jameson’s left post.
Home fans were holding their breath in the hope that they may have scored this time around, 15 minutes in. A free kick from Scott Barrow found the head of John-Lewis, and his looping header misled the ‘keeper, but he was unable to convert once more, as it landed on the roof of the net.
The hosts had been the better side by a country mile in the first half, but just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net, with York’s front man having yet another great chance, but striking the side netting from close range.
City were given another opportunity, 11 minutes before the break, and it was Jack McKay with it, his flying effort from the edge not too far off the goal. Seconds later, a ball into the box found a red shirt, but the shot was deflected, falling to McKay who fiercely struck it against the post.
York City 1-0 Spennymoor Town: Kouhyar makes it a very Good Friday for City
Spennymoor almost silenced a roaring York City crowd early on, when Rob Ramshaw put it on a plate for experienced striker Glen Taylor, but from point-blank range, Taylor managed to fire it wide of the target.
Seventeen minutes in, and Taylor looked to have given The Brewers the lead once again from a corner, but only for Lenell John-Lewis, who managed to get his head in the way and clear the looping effort off the line.
With 25 minutes played, Spennymoor found themselves in on goal once more, and no surprises in who had the chance - Taylor failed to send the travelling fans into delirium for the third time, dragging an effort narrowly wide of Pete Jameson’s goal.
The way things were going with ten minutes until half time, chances of a ‘Good’ Friday for City were slowly decreasing as the away side came even closer with a half volley from Ramshaw striking the crossbar.
The second 45 started very quietly with neither team having much more than a half chance, however the 66th minute marked a very controversial decision from the referee.
A great ball in from York’s Olly Dyson found the head of Akil Wright, who headed it back to Matty Brown, and the captain looked to have been hacked down on the edge of the box. With Brown booked for an alleged dive and the decision given against him, the referee was greeted by shouts of frustration from the masses of home supporters.
YORK CITY 3-1 DARLINGTON: City produce another rampant goalscoring display
All the early pressure came from Darlington who looked the better side to begin with. However it took seven minutes for their first real chance - a combination between Will Hatfield and Kevin Dos Santos ended in Dos Santos skying a shot well over the bar.
Then it was time for former-York striker Jake Cassidy to try a brave effort from over 20 yards out. His shot came closer than expected, with it flying just over the crossbar.
A third of the way through the first half, York's Kurt Willoughby almost broke the deadlock after some Darlington domination. AJ Greaves won the ball back well, leaving Kurt Willoughby to try his signature curling shot, just missing out on the top corner.
York City 3-1 AFC Telford United | Match Report
A couple of spectacular goals helped City go four wins on the bounce as they beat Telford 3-1 to boost their playoff hopes.
York City prepared to face AFC Telford United under the LNER lights after winning three in a row and racking up 10 goals in that period. A recent FA Trophy comeback on Saturday fired The Minstermen through to the Quarter Finals where they will now face National League side Dagenham & Redbridge. However, the main focus for John Askey’s side is the league and rampant City were hoping to continue their playoff charge against Telford, who were sitting second from bottom of the National League North. A win would take York just 3 points away from the playoff target.
Telford made just one change from their defeat to Kidderminster with Pat Jarrett dropping to the bench whilst Byron Moore started. On the York City side, veteran Clayton Donaldson was replaced by Kurt Willoughby plus Jack McKay returned to the team. New signing Lenell John-Lewis was given a place amongst the subs.
In the first minute, Akil Wright almost netted a worldie for York when he hit a great volley which drifted just over the bar.
Eight minutes later, the home side hit the woodwork. A clever free kick routine left the ball being laid off to Olly Dyson who took a shot from distance and narrowly missed the goalpost.
City came even closer just after that - Jack McKay’s shot from the side was saved by the Telford ‘keeper, but Kurt Willoughby couldn’t convert the loose ball thanks to some great defending from The Bucks.
After a great tackle from Michael Duckworth in the 17th minute, The Minstermen were able to break into the box where Duckworth was back on the ball again, playing a great pass over to Jack McKay on the left, who took a touch and then lobbed the ‘keeper with an exquisite finish.
York city 0-3 bradford Park avenue | match report
An atrocious York City performance ended in defeat as The Minstermen were disastrously beaten 3-0 by Bradford Park Avenue.
A 3-0 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday left City very disappointed and questioning themselves. However, a big Yorkshire derby awaited them with the chance to make amends and bounce back.
John Askey’s lineup included 2 changes from the side that lost at Kidderminster. Michael Woods dropped out completely, and Maxim Kouogun dropped to the bench. Returning from injury was Paddy McLaughlin who slotted into a midfield three, plus Matty Brown started for the first time since returning from suspension. Yet again, key player Akil Wright was missing through injury.
Despite starting on the front foot and controlling the game, York were unable to capitalise on the possession they had. However, they did come close after 20 minutes when a Clayton Donaldson header glided past the face of goal. It wasn’t long after before the veteran striker was gifted another chance - some great skill and trickery from Mitch Hancox allowed Donaldson to take over and try his luck but the Bradford ‘keeper was there with the save.
John Askey’s lineup included 2 changes from the side that lost at Kidderminster. Michael Woods dropped out completely, and Maxim Kouogun dropped to the bench. Returning from injury was Paddy McLaughlin who slotted into a midfield three, plus Matty Brown started for the first time since returning from suspension. Yet again, key player Akil Wright was missing through injury.
Despite starting on the front foot and controlling the game, York were unable to capitalise on the possession they had. However, they did come close after 20 minutes when a Clayton Donaldson header glided past the face of goal. It wasn’t long after before the veteran striker was gifted another chance - some great skill and trickery from Mitch Hancox allowed Donaldson to take over and try his luck but the Bradford ‘keeper was there with the save.
It was then Bradford’s turn to break, and with their first opportunity of the match they made it count. The first effort was saved by Jameson but fell to Adam Nowakowski who put it away and silenced the Nfinnerty Stand with 26 minutes played.
York city 1-0 alfreton town | Match report
City ended the year on a high with a big three points against Alfreton, thanks to a Paddy McLaughlin goal.
Boxing Day disappointment left York City without a festive game due to the away trip at Bradford Park Avenue being called off. However, City returned to action just two days later on a rare Tuesday afternoon when they played host to Alfreton Town. Coming into this fixture, Alfreton were sitting in 9th above the 13th placed Minstermen, although only one point separated the two teams. Both sides had come off the back of FA Trophy successes, City winning 1-0 at Matlock and Alfreton defeating Curzon 3-1.
John Askey fielded a York City lineup that saw Jack McKay and Remy Longdon make their home debuts, but no Kurt Willoughby or Clayton Donaldson started, meaning Mark Beck led the line.
Boxing Day disappointment left York City without a festive game due to the away trip at Bradford Park Avenue being called off. However, City returned to action just two days later on a rare Tuesday afternoon when they played host to Alfreton Town. Coming into this fixture, Alfreton were sitting in 9th above the 13th placed Minstermen, although only one point separated the two teams. Both sides had come off the back of FA Trophy successes, City winning 1-0 at Matlock and Alfreton defeating Curzon 3-1.
John Askey fielded a York City lineup that saw Jack McKay and Remy Longdon make their home debuts, but no Kurt Willoughby or Clayton Donaldson started, meaning Mark Beck led the line.
City started the final game of 2021 off well, having most of the early pressure but not threatening much until the 8th minute when a Kieran Wallace header floated just over the bar, before another chance with Alfreton ‘keeper Willis deflecting a Longdon goalbound shot away.
Remy Longdon almost had the opener again after 18 minutes as he tried a curling shot from the edge of the box but the goalkeeper was there again to parry it out and deny him.
Remy Longdon almost had the opener again after 18 minutes as he tried a curling shot from the edge of the box but the goalkeeper was there again to parry it out and deny him.
Despite being the dominant side throughout the half, The Minstermen couldn’t find a breakthrough and the scores at half time remained level, with City hoping to pose more of a threat in the second half.
York city 1-1 chorley | Match report
10-man York City picked up a valuable point against Chorley today, watched by a record attendance of an incredible 4,512!
Following a win at Guiseley and defeat at Gateshead, York City were back in action against high flyers Chorley, who were looking to edge into the top two. The Minstermen on the other hand, were struggling under new interim boss John Askey, and trying to burst into the playoffs.
During the course of the week, supporters were left with high hopes after a dramatic finish versus Guiseley, however 180 travelling fans were made disappointed at the Gateshead International Stadium where City were beaten 2-0 on Tuesday night.
This home league fixture had a record attendance anticipated thanks to the ‘Football For A Fiver’ campaign which invited as many people as possible to visit the LNER Community Stadium.
After the departure of both Adam Senior and Jason Gilchrist, Josh King and Sam Fielding returned to the bench with Michael Duckworth and Clayton Donaldson making their way back into the starting eleven. For Chorley, Connor Hall dropped out of their squad with an injury.
Following a win at Guiseley and defeat at Gateshead, York City were back in action against high flyers Chorley, who were looking to edge into the top two. The Minstermen on the other hand, were struggling under new interim boss John Askey, and trying to burst into the playoffs.
During the course of the week, supporters were left with high hopes after a dramatic finish versus Guiseley, however 180 travelling fans were made disappointed at the Gateshead International Stadium where City were beaten 2-0 on Tuesday night.
This home league fixture had a record attendance anticipated thanks to the ‘Football For A Fiver’ campaign which invited as many people as possible to visit the LNER Community Stadium.
After the departure of both Adam Senior and Jason Gilchrist, Josh King and Sam Fielding returned to the bench with Michael Duckworth and Clayton Donaldson making their way back into the starting eleven. For Chorley, Connor Hall dropped out of their squad with an injury.
With not much happening in the game, the 10th minute sparked a protest amongst the York fans with multiple tennis balls being thrown onto the pitch, and the referee pausing the game for a couple of minutes.
However, less than two minutes after play resumed, Clayton Donaldson swung a dangerous looking cross into the box which was flicked on and went all the way to the back post for Akil Wright to head home and put The Minstermen 1-0 up, the stadium erupting on cue.
However, less than two minutes after play resumed, Clayton Donaldson swung a dangerous looking cross into the box which was flicked on and went all the way to the back post for Akil Wright to head home and put The Minstermen 1-0 up, the stadium erupting on cue.
YOrk city 0-1 buxton | Match Report
A record crowd of 3791 witnessed York City crash out of the Emirates FA Cup in an underpar performance, courtesy of a late Diego De Girolamo goal that sent Buxton through to the Second Round.
Coming off the back of a 4-0 drubbing of Blyth Spartans, York City were back in action in the Emirates FA Cup with a tasty first round tie against high flying NPL side Buxton, who have recently been involved in a managerial crisis.
York City manager Steve Watson put out a side which included the likes of veteran striker Clayton Donaldson and club captain Sean Newton. In the Buxton side, former City striker Diego De Girolamo started.
Straight from the off, Buxton threatened the City goal with an early shot blocked, the strong wind playing a huge part as Buxton continued to attack.
However, 23 minutes in and York were given a golden chance, Mackenzie Heaney's cross finding the head of Donaldson who's header was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Theo Richardson.
Olly Dyson tried his luck 10 minutes later with a volley towards the bottom corner but his strike was driven just wide of the post.
Olly Dyson tried his luck 10 minutes later with a volley towards the bottom corner but his strike was driven just wide of the post.
York city 4-0 blyth spartans | match report
Four goals sealed the deal in an incredible team performance as York City thrashed Blyth Spartans 4-0.
City set spirits high last Saturday after a crucial win versus Chester, however a midweek game at Boston led to The Minstermen falling to their 5th defeat of the season. Blyth Spartans visited the LNER Community Stadium which was the perfect opportunity for City to bounce back against a team with no league wins in the last 8. New loan signing Mitch Hancox walked straight into the starting lineup for York and former Minsterman Dan Maguire started for Blyth.
It couldn't have been a better start for York City as they got on the front foot with only 2 minutes played. Like the consolation goal at Boston, the early goal came from a Clayton Donaldson long throw. The throw found Paddy McLaughlin who slotted home unmarked at the back post.
City set spirits high last Saturday after a crucial win versus Chester, however a midweek game at Boston led to The Minstermen falling to their 5th defeat of the season. Blyth Spartans visited the LNER Community Stadium which was the perfect opportunity for City to bounce back against a team with no league wins in the last 8. New loan signing Mitch Hancox walked straight into the starting lineup for York and former Minsterman Dan Maguire started for Blyth.
It couldn't have been a better start for York City as they got on the front foot with only 2 minutes played. Like the consolation goal at Boston, the early goal came from a Clayton Donaldson long throw. The throw found Paddy McLaughlin who slotted home unmarked at the back post.
City almost found themselves 2-0 up through Kurt Willoughby when he had a low shot which was heading in but goalkeeper Alex Mitchell managed to turn it over with his feet. Pete Jameson in the York goal was also tested early on too, diving to keep a Blyth long shot out.
It wasn't long before it actually was 2-0 to The Minstermen and it was defender Matty Brown who found the back of the net this time. The York captain picked up the ball and fired in a shot on the turn which took a slight deflection on its way in to double the lead.
It wasn't long before it actually was 2-0 to The Minstermen and it was defender Matty Brown who found the back of the net this time. The York captain picked up the ball and fired in a shot on the turn which took a slight deflection on its way in to double the lead.
York city 1-0 chester | Match report
Mark Beck’s goal before the break secured York City three points and a clean sheet in the ‘Walled City Derby’ versus Chester!
Coming off the back of a cup win away at Morpeth, York City were back in action in a league rivalry against underperformers Chester. Steve Watson made one change to his starting lineup, Sam Fielding dropping out for returning Matty Brown. Also to mention, captain Sean Newton returned to the bench following a knee injury.
Coming off the back of a cup win away at Morpeth, York City were back in action in a league rivalry against underperformers Chester. Steve Watson made one change to his starting lineup, Sam Fielding dropping out for returning Matty Brown. Also to mention, captain Sean Newton returned to the bench following a knee injury.
In a heavily anticipated match, the first chance was a goalmouth scramble for the home team but Chester eventually managed to clear it. An almost identical chance followed to be cleared yet again.
Chester's Dudley burst into the box with 25 minutes played and the ball was played across to Declan Weeks who smashed his shot wide of an open goal.
A shot from outside the box was taken by former York man Jack Redshaw but Pete Jameson was there to tip it out for a corner and prevent The Seals from taking the lead.
Chester's Dudley burst into the box with 25 minutes played and the ball was played across to Declan Weeks who smashed his shot wide of an open goal.
A shot from outside the box was taken by former York man Jack Redshaw but Pete Jameson was there to tip it out for a corner and prevent The Seals from taking the lead.
Five minutes before the break, Willoughby picked up the ball in his own half and played an exquisite crossfield pass to Michael Duckworth who crossed into the box, giving Mark Beck the chance to head into the Chester goal and give City the lead at the break.
YOrk city 3-1 SOUTHport | Match report
Three goals sealed the win for York City against Southport today in front of a record crowd at the LNER Community Stadium.
Following last week's win in the cup, just one change was made in the starting XI for today's game against Southport with Kurt Willoughby replacing Jason Gilchrist up front.
City started off well with two chances to kick off the game, Clayton Donaldson glanced his header wide and then shortly after Willoughby had a bending shot that was saved.
Southport too had a couple of chances with Jameson holding Archer's header and also denied a great run by a 'Port defender.
Kurt Willoughby was released down the right and forced Mason into a save at his near post for a corner.
Half an hour into the first half, Olly Dyson received the ball from a short corner and whipped it in for centre-half Matty Brown to head down into the bottom corner and give the Minstermen the lead.
The lead didn’t last long though when Brown went from hero to villain, pulling down a Southport man in the area which resulted in a penalty. Hmami made no mistake, sending Jameson the wrong way to level the score.
Following last week's win in the cup, just one change was made in the starting XI for today's game against Southport with Kurt Willoughby replacing Jason Gilchrist up front.
City started off well with two chances to kick off the game, Clayton Donaldson glanced his header wide and then shortly after Willoughby had a bending shot that was saved.
Southport too had a couple of chances with Jameson holding Archer's header and also denied a great run by a 'Port defender.
Kurt Willoughby was released down the right and forced Mason into a save at his near post for a corner.
Half an hour into the first half, Olly Dyson received the ball from a short corner and whipped it in for centre-half Matty Brown to head down into the bottom corner and give the Minstermen the lead.
The lead didn’t last long though when Brown went from hero to villain, pulling down a Southport man in the area which resulted in a penalty. Hmami made no mistake, sending Jameson the wrong way to level the score.
