York followed up last week’s win against lowly Barnet with an impressive victory over high fliers Oxford yesterday, which allowed the newly promoted Minstermen to move up to 9th in the League Two table. After a difficult first week to the season, York have returned to the form which saw them earn promotion last year, and back to back wins have propelled them up the table.
Last Saturday York made the trip south to Underhill, where they prevailed 3-1 over their London rivals. Early goals by Daniel Parslow and Ashley Chambers placed York in the ascendancy, and despite a response from Jon Nurse midway through the first half, York still sauntered to victory. Michael Coulson added a third for York with a rasping low drive, and it was overall a very solid display.
Yesterday’s game was on paper much more challenging however, as visitors Oxford went into the game with a 100% record, and sat at the top of the table. However that fabulous run was ended at Bootham Crescent, as York recorded their second victory of the season.
Coulson set York off to the perfect start, as he followed up Patrick McLaughlin’s shot to give the home side the lead after only 15 seconds. Goalkeeper Micahel Ingham then rescued York by saving Deane Smalley’s penalty, before Ashley Chambers scored his third of the season to double the advantage.
An own goal though by McLaughlin, who diverted a corner into his own net allowed the visitors a way back into the game, but the same player made amends early in the second half by capitalising on a Michael Raynes error to restore the two goal advantage. York continued to play some promising football, and for the second time in succession ran out 3-1 winners despite the best efforts of Oxford who pressurised their opponents.
Manager Gary Mills was overjoyed with the victory, and looking back at the season so far commented after the Oxford game; “I’m delighted. I’ve said I thought the first game (of the season) flattered Wycombe. It was a weird day for us and since then we’ve shown what we’ve got with seven points in the last three games.”
After a good couple of weeks, York now face two challenging encounters, as they host Chesterfield on Saturday. Chesterfield have started the season slowly, and sacked manager John Sheridan last week after three years in charge. Nevertheless they possess a strong side which is likely to be challenging for promotion come the end of the season. This is followed by a long journey to Exeter the week after, to play the team who lie second in the table and will be looking to continue their fine early season form.