The first half was a somewhat muted affair with both sides playing tidy football and creating chances but lacking the killer instinct in front of goal. We probably had the best opportunities and certainly most of the possession. Ably partnered by the lively James Hayter up front, Soupa Fletch was winning everything in the air and directing his flick-ons with greater accuracy that I can ever remember.
Our best chance came when the big man nodded the ball into the path of Carl Fletcher whose fierce shot was well saved by Fettis who somehow managed to clutch the ball to his midriff. Soupa also directed a couple of useful headers at goal, but the visitors got bodies in the way. Danny Thomas looked dangerous at times down the left flank, but Wade Elliott on the other wing couldn't seem to get into the game. At the other end, Karl Broadhurst and Carl Fletcher looked solid at the back, although Cook and Parkin caused the home defence some anxious moments, with Moss doing well to turn a header round the post. We also seemed to be lacking bite in midfield, with Brian Stock failing to reproduce the sparkling form he had shown against Hartlepool.
As the half wore on, the crowd became rather subdued as it became clear that the Minstermen were not going to be rolled over easily.
HT: 0-0
The second half soon became mainly one-way traffic towards the York penalty area. A couple of half chances came and went but Fettis seemed to catching everything with ease and Soupa's aerial supremacy was beginning to be nullified by York's sweeper system. Surely time for a substitution! SO'D clearly though so too, and after 64 minutes he brought on Garreth O'Connor and Feeney for Thomas and Elliott.
With Feeney now haring around up front, Hayter dropped back to right midfield. However, it still looked as if York would weather the storm and pick up a useful away point. After 75 minutes has elapsed, SO'D replaced Young (who had had a pretty good game) by Liam Ridgewell and we started playing 3 at the back. The young Villa defender made an instant impression with a surging run to the by-line before pulling the ball back for Feeney who frustratingly dragged his shot wide of the left-hand post.
It looked as if it was going to be one of those days until, a couple of minutes later, Hayter found himself in space on the right. He spotted Steve Fletcher at the far post and sent over an pin-point cross which the club captain headed back across the goal. The ball seemed to be in the air for an eternity before nestling in the opposite corner of the net. Big Fletch stood with arms aloft as the North Stand erupted with joy and relief in front of him.
The remaining quarter of an hour became rather nerve-racking for the home fans as York came out of their shell and began attacking with some purpose. Substitute Lee Nogan thought he'd rescued a point when he stabbed the ball past Moss from close range, but the linesman had his flag raised for offside. Whew!
After 3 interminable added minutes, the final whistle blew and the victors were applauded from the pitch. They looked pretty knackered to me, especially Broady who spent some time sitting in the centre circle. This was truly a case of grinding out a win against a competent side who gave nothing away and might well have grabbed at least a point. And it certainly won't be the last time we'll have to do this at Dean Court this season if we want promotion!
|
AFCB: Moss, Young (Ridgewell 74), Broadhurst, Carl Fletcher, Purches, Elliott (Feeney 63), Stock, Browning, Thomas (O'Connor 63), Steve Fletcher, Hayter.
Subs not used: Narada, Tardif
Ellis Griffin, Chertsey