York went into the match well aware that a win by two goals or more would help them leapfrog Teesside into first place in the league; whilst a loss would gift their rivals the title with just one match remaining.
The visitors’ bright red shirts clashed with the yellow of York but there were no such conflicts on the side-lines: York captain Matty Bainbridge was spurring his side on with ‘Andre Villas-Boas’-esque squats and shouts; urging his players to perform after being ruled out of the match himself.
And York lived up to their togetherness as they started fantastically. A John Gill effort won a corner for York which was soon hacked to safety, but the visitors were looking particularly nervous in a somewhat scrappy opening. And when Teesside did manage to create chances, both Andy Hall and Michael Bell wasted their openings with speculative strikes flying high and wide.
As a result, York made the most of their solid start when, after a good save by goalkeeper John Simm, James Offord found himself clean through. A delicate stroke into the corner of the net was enough for cheers and elation to erupt from the York substitutes and staff; putting the home side one up after twenty minutes.
That goal sparked Teesside into action, and with constant loud shouts of “keep the ball!” from the touchline, captain Matty Bainbridge was quickly turning into a hoarse whisperer.
With Matt Darling sliding in and giving away a free kick, Teesside had a chance to draw level. Rob McIlroy’s cross was met by a spectacular touch from Andy Hall, but his overhead kick sailed over the bar.
It was a similar story moments later when Teesside’s Tom Shaw went one-on-one with John Simm. The striker leaned back as he hit the ball which then ballooned over, much to the relief of the men in yellow.
Teesside’s dominance was bound to show at some point and York were on the back foot for the remainder of the first half. Another free kick was cleared as the northerners’ continued to pressurise, but Gio Pilides in the centre of midfield for York was putting in some admirable challenges. His resilience and York’s spirit ensured that as the half time whistle blew, Offered’s goal was the difference at the interval. If the score was to remain 1-0, it would echo the reverse fixture, as Teesside saw off York by the odd goal a few weeks ago.
After the break Teesside expectedly came out with all guns blazing, but it was York who threatened first: an audacious attempt from John Gill spring back off the inside of the post and away.
It is inches like that which often prove to be the difference in closely-fought encounters, and a free kick from Pilides brushed the bar for York just minutes after. His chip from just outside the area caught everyone off guard as it nestled onto the roof of the net; and strangely in a slow-motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer.
But it wasn’t to be for York as their defence was broken with fifteen minutes remaining. A high cross from the right floated straight onto Rob McIlroy’s foot at the back post, as he guided it past Simm and into the net. And the goal was costly as neither side wanted to lose: a draw for Teesside would still retain their three point margin above their opponents, whilst for York it would at least keep them in the race.
The referee, Peter Hestley, drew the match to a close and although it is still possible for York to triumph in the league, a two-goal and three-point twist will be difficult to obtain. But York’s spirit will forever remain and hopes are high for next season: with some talented individuals who are devoted and keen; York will be a tough side to break down in coming matches.
Vision MOM: Gio Pilides