A superb display against a battling BEADS side saw UYAFC romp home to lift the North Riding FA County Cup. Two first half goals from Tom Day and James Davies and a third just after half time from Phil Taylor was enough for a 3-1 victory on a perfect night for football in Stokesley.
On a pitch not particularly conducive to free-flowing football, the game started scrappily as York struggled to get going after a six-week layoff.
This did not stop them from taking an early lead. A vicious in-swinging corner from Tom Clarke was met by Day at the front post who headed past the ‘keeper.
The goal seemed to settle the Gold and Black, who went on to look quite comfortable for much of the rest of the game.
BEADS did however have one golden chance with the score still at 1-0, as the opposition striker found himself in behind the York back line for one of the only times in the match before seeing his effort well saved by Jonny Sim.
York almost doubled their lead soon after as Alex Tringham’s delightful cross found Taylor whose header rattled the crossbar.
They were not to be denied a second goal however, as right on the stroke of half-time a chipped through ball from Day found Davies. His subsequent header looped over the advancing ‘keeper and into the back of the net, sending his teammates and the vocal travelling York fans into raptures.
The expected BEADS bombardment never really materialised in the second-half as York continued to control the game—matching the physicality of their opponents tackle for tackle.
This was epitomised by skipper Matt Mawdesley whose strength and determination saw him break through the tackles of two opposition players before drilling the ball across the box for veteran striker Taylor to tap home, giving York an unassailable 3-0 lead.
The Gold and Black continued to press, affording their opposition no opportunity from which to muster an unlikely comeback, notably through some tireless and often thankless running from Joe Easter and some massive tackles from sub Ollie Harrison and the impressive Day.
BEADS did grab a late consolation in stoppage time as a scramble in the box after a free-kick from the right saw the ball end up in the back of the net; but it was all far too late as the referee blew his whistle soon after to the delight of the York players and fans.
A battered and bruised Mawdesley spoke of his delight after the final whistle and how his side deserved to pick up some silverware after disappointment in the league.
Champagne showers, lifting the trophy and a club outing to Salvation marked the end of an incredible night for UYAFC who now look to continue their good run of form into Roses next week.
Sim, Jones, Brandreth, Belshaw, Davies, Mawdesley © (Daly), Easter, Tringham (Harrison), Clarke, Day, Taylor (Kimber). Subs : Bradley, Harris, Bainbridge.