After an opening day draw against Newcastle, York Men’s 2nds suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Northumbria 2nds. Sam Richardson equalised for York in the first half after the home side had slipped behind, but further goals either side of half time condemned York to a 3-1 defeat on the JLD astro.
During a frantic opening Northumbria made the early running, looking the more sprightly and menacing of the two sides. York had to sustain periods of pressure, but marshalled by captain James Hope and fellow defender Patrick Forrester they coped admirably. York had to be particularly alert after Forrester had conceded a short corner, but once more good pressure on the attackers prevented any significant danger.
That was until the quarter hour mark when Northumbria seized the lead of the encounter. Scrappy play in York territory saw the ball break to an unmarked Northumbria forward, who was able to lift the ball into the back of the net and hand his side the lead. York though seemed to burst into life after the goal, as club President Mylo Scurr threatened down the right wing.
The equaliser soon came through the shape of Derwent fresher Sam Richardson. Good link up play between Scurr and Chris Butterworth saw the ball fed into the path of Dom Munns. Munns duly fired a delightful ball into the Northumbria D, which was deflected home by Richardson. After this York looked more dangerous, however they didn’t last on level terms for long.
Their defence was cut open by a flowing Northumbria move, and a cutback from the right wing was slotted home to restore the lead for the visitors. York tried to respond immediately but the lively Scurr was denied by Northumbria’s keeper. Another beautiful York move saw Charlie Tyler set through on goal, but as he rounded the keeper he was taken out, resulting in the award of only a short corner, despite protests that a penalty flick should have been given.
Danny Williams drag flicked the ball goalwards from the resulting short corner, but with the keeper beaten the frame of the goal was to deny him. Williams then had another drag flick acrobatically saved by the keeper, but despite York’s attempts they couldn’t level the scoreline, which at half time read 2-1 in the visitors’ favour.
The second start began in an open fashion as both teams pushed for further goals, with York looking lively particularly down the left side. However the crucial next goal was not scored by York, but by the visitors, as a short corner found its way into the back of the net to extend the deficit.
This was a bitter blow for York and the latest goal hit their attempt for points in this encounter. The home side tried to claw their way back into the game, but both teams exchanged short corners without any result. Williams was almost set through on goal by an excellent touch from Scurr, but the outrushing Northumbria keeper reacted to the situation quickly and effectively.
As time ticked by York’s struggle to get back into the game continued, and despite looking a match for their opponents, time was against them. A scramble in the Northumbria area came to nothing before a dangerous Butterworth cross flashed across the face of the goal. Despite their best efforts though York couldn’t find a way back into the game, as the earlier goals condemned them to their first defeat of the season.
After the match captain Hope told Vision: “It’s disappointing to lose obviously but there are posities in the performance. The new boys are settling in well and i believe we’re well set for our aim of double promotion this season despite today’s defeat.” Today was clearly not the desired result for the side, but elements of the performance will provide encouragement that promising times may well lie ahead for the side for the rest of the season.