Roses men’s football: York 1sts 0-1 Lancaster 1sts

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Photos: Philip Mourdijs

York fell to a second straight Roses defeat in the illustrious men’s football 1sts fixture on Sunday afternoon.

A first half Lancaster strike was the only goal in a game which was lacking the excitement and quality many had anticipated.

York had their chances to draw level, as Tom Clarke skied an effort horribly over in the first half before James Davies was denied by a last ditch tackle in the second period.

But in reality, the result could have been much worse were it not for the heroics of goalkeeper Jonny Sim, who produced a string of exceptional saves to keep the score down.

Fortunately, the fate of the tournament was already secure for the White Rose, in stark contrast to last year when the match proved pivotal in Lancaster’s overall victory.

It took a while for the home side to find their form which ultimately proved costly. After an Alex Tringham free kick flashed just wide of the right upright, Lancaster took control.

‘Keeper Jonny Sim was forced into a spectacular finger-tip save from a flick header, before making three stunning stops, including one with his head. However, his third save fell kindly at the feet of the Lancaster striker, who coolly slotted home.

The Red Rose continued to exert pressure, smacking the crossbar after York’s deep-lying defence was caught out.

York were struggling to get out of their own half, never mind create chances, but just before half time they squandered a glorious opportunity.

A poor goal kick allowed Ollie Harrison to head the ball down to Tom Day, whose cross was well controlled by Clarke at the back post, but the marksman blazed his effort well off target to the amazement of the home crowd.

Sim continued to be the busier of the two goalkeepers in the second half, making a fantastic double save; the first onto the bar, the second around the post.

The home side increased their share of possession but left themselves open to Lancastrian counter-attacks. On one occasion, a Sim save from a long range effort fell to the Red Rose striker who sliced his effort over.

And Sim continued to demonstrate why he is the best ‘keeper at the university, tipping a lofted effort from Lancaster’s midfielder behind for a corner.

York created precious little at the other end until the 88th minute when Clarke’s clever flick released Davies, but the winger scuffed his shot and a Lancaster defender bundled the ball clear.

At the final whistle, the Lancaster players celebrated as if they had won Roses itself. York captain, Tom Day, told Vision: “It was a tight game. Credit to Jonny Sim for keeping us in the game, he made some great one-on-one saves, but we had chances ourselves.

It’s disappointing because for quite a lot of us, it’s our last game for the uni. Despite the scoreline we’ve improved and hopefully we can build on that next year.”