York City kept their survival hopes alive with four points from their two crucial fixtures over the past week, but it could have been so much better if it wasn’t for Peter Murphy’s last minute equaliser yesterday which denied York consecutive wins for the first time since October.
York had recorded their first win since New Year’s Day on Easter Monday when they cruised to a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Plymouth. First half goals from Ashley Chambers and Richard Cresswell sealed York a vital win, and in turn put an end to their woeful run of form.
Yesterday they were only minutes away from back-to-back wins, before Murphy salvaged a point for Accrington by bundling home a corner in injury time, after Adam Reed had put York ahead in the dying minutes of the first half.
The heartbreaking equaliser leaves York in the relegation places on 46 points, behind Torquay on goal difference, and two points ahead of bottom club Aldershot who have two games in hand.
Three teams then lie just two points clear of the drop on 48 points, whilst Plymouth are still not safe on 49 points, despite recording an excellent 2-0 win over Cheltenham yesterday.
Nigel Worthington’s side now have three games left to save themselves from the disappointment of relegation, starting with a difficult trip to third placed Northampton on Saturday, who have promotion in their sights.
After that they host the beaten Johnstone Paint Trophy finalists Southend, who still have a slim hope of making the playoffs, before their season culminates away at Dagenham & Redbridge. If York are to survive then they are likely to need a minimum of four points from their remaining three games, and possibly even two wins.
At the other end of the table Gillingham confirmed their promotion to League One yesterday by beating Torquay, and they look set to be crowned champions. Only Port Vale, who thrashed Burton Albion 7-1 on Friday night, can catch them, whilst York will be hoping the Valiants do them a favour on Tuesday by beating lowly Aldershot.
As we reach the closing stages of the season the battles for promotion and relegation are reaching their height, and the results of the next few weeks will define the season of York and many of their fellow League Two clubs.