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Photos: Tom Wooldridge
York romped into the next round of the BUCS Cup with a thumping 8-2 victory over Varsity rivals Hull 1sts on the JLD this afternoon. York produced an excellent display of attacking hockey, frequently cutting open the Hull defence, and the game was essentially all over after 25 minutes, as York sailed into a 4-0 lead. Both Kris Siva and Laurie Torrington bagged braces, as six people put their name on the scoresheet for the White Rose.
York had already met Hull in the Yorkshire League earlier this season, where they strolled to a comfortable victory, so pre match captain George Richards was confident of victory telling Vision: “We go into the game as pre match favourites, but they’re still a good outfit.” His words were not wrong, as his side eased their way through to a clash with either Northumbria 1sts or Newcastle 3rds in the next round.
The early stages saw York dominate the territorial battle, but the first clearcut chance fell to the visitors, as a gaping hole appeared in the York backline, allowing a Hull forward to make a penetrating run into the D, only to mishit his shot horribly wide. Minutes later Hull again broke free, but again the visitors were profligate in front of goal, as a tame shot was easily saved by ‘keeper Callum Chaundy.
However it was York who opened the scoring through the excellent Dougie McAteer. The York midfielder found space down the right flank, before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful reverse hit into the bottom corner of the despairing Hull ‘keeper’s net. The goal seemed to inspire York and deflate Hull, and soon York doubled their advantage. Leo Watton, who had already had one shot saved, surged down the left wing and powered in a reverse cross which was tapped home by Siva from only yards out.
By now York were producing some skilful hockey, passing the ball around sweetly, and recycling play from left to right, thus allowing them to enjoy the majority of possession and frustrate the visitors. However at times York’s defence was threatened by some lively Hull movement, as another chance was squandered by the Hull forwards, whilst Nish Selvakumar forced the Hull keeper into another save at the other end.
Indeed one of the main differences between the two sides was York’s more clinical nature. Twice in the space of minutes Laurie Torrington produced his trademark powerful drag flick into the top left corner from short corners. With 25 minutes gone the contest was essentialy over, and York threatened to add to Hull’s misery, as twice York efforts were cleared off the line. Hull survived the onslaught and after a superb first half, York led 4-0.
Five minutes into the second half York added a fifth, as George Richards drove down the right flank and cut the ball back to Phil Ratliff, who slotted the ball into the vacant net. As the half progressed York’s standard of play decreased, as sloppy errors crept into their play. Hull capitalised on this by winning a series of short corners, and despite the best efforts of Chaundy, Hull eventually grabbed a goal back. Chaundy tipped a drag flick onto the post with a diving save, but the rebound was lifted over the stranded keeper.
York weathered the storm of another quartet of Hull corners, whilst a threatening cross flashed across the face of Chaundy’s goal. Yet York still remained dangerous themselves, and nearly grabbed a sixth, as Hugo Christie powered a dangeorus ball into the D. They didn’t need to wait much longer, as the sixth came from another short corner. This time Leo Wattion dragged the ball into the path of Tom Armston-Clarke, who deflected the ball beautifully into the back of the Hull goal.
The seventh came in the shape of Phil Blackburn, as he neatly deflected a through ball past the Hull ‘keeper. Dissent and controversial refereeeing decisions had blighted the second half, and it was no surprise when a yellow card was handed to defender Christie by umpire Dong oh Shin. Hull capitalised on this man advantage and pulled back a late consolation goal, but it was York who had the last laugh, as Siva rounded off the scoring with a fine solo goal. The full time score of 8-2 was credit to York’s play, as the squad gelled effectively and constantly troubled the visitors.
After the game, Richards commented: “We played some very slick and silky hockey in the first half, and it was good to get so many people on the scoresheet to boost individuals’ confidence. It’s great to get the result and continue our cup run.” York will now be looking to progress further in the cup, but are likely to face a more challenging test in the next round.
Vision MOTM: Dougie McAteer