York City may have played out one of the dullest and least media-friendly games of the season today, as they drew 0-0 away at Southend, but the point has helped them maintain their position in the top 10 of League Two.
The draw was York’s seventh of the season, and follows on from two consecutive wins over the past week. Indeed it has been a superb week for the Minstermen, as a 3-2 triumph over Dagenham & Redbridge was followed by a 1-0 away victory at Accrington in midweek. Today’s draw extends York’s unbeaten run to five games, and the side have settled in well to life back in the football league, seamlessly making the transition to a higher level.
It could have been much more than a point today for York, as Jason Walker squandered the best chance of the game, heading Matty Blair’s cross wide, when unmarked six yards out. Blair himself was also denied by a sprawling double save from Southend keeper Paul Smith.
Southend though had opportunities of their own late on, in a game of few chances, as Chris Barker and Kevan Hurst both failed to convert late chances. The game was by no means a classic, but York will be satisfied to make the trip home with a point from the Shrimpers, who sit just below York in the table.
After the game, York manager Gary Mills [pictured] told BBC Radio York: “I thought we were excellent after playing three games in a week. When we had to dig in during the second half and head it away at the back we did so, we deserved the point. We could have had three but we definitely deserved a point, there’s no two ways about that.”
York’s busy schedule continues with three home games in a week, starting with an FA Cup first round encounter against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. Bootham Crescent will then play host to Northampton on Tuesday 6th November, before AFC Wimbledon return the following Saturday, this time for a League Two match. Positive results in those three matches could see York start a realistic push for a play-off position, whilst helping to seal their progression in the cup.