By Stephen Holcroft
York 2nd’s began their season in victorious fashion on Wednesday, grinding out a 2-1 victory over Yorkshire rivals Bradford in a tightly contested affair.
It was not until the half hour mark that the first goal arrived. Mark Johnson capitalised on a dead ball opportunity outside the penalty area, placing a freekick into the bottom left corner with Bradford’s Craig Gordon left motionless, routed to his spot.
If York’s first half lead was regarded as slightly fortunate, they began the second half the brighter and took the game to their opponents. However, it wasn’t all plain-sailing for the hosts. The pace of Bradford’s attacking line-up was causing York’s back line some problems and they finally got their reward on the hour, when York’s centre back was forced into a cynical foul inside the area. Centre forward Hassan calmly stepped up sending Tim Green the wrong way, making it 1-1. With the scores level and time ticking away in dire conditions, York captain Ben Smith needed to rally his troops in search of that all elusive goal.
When York were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, Bradford were all too aware of what they were facing. Johnson again was at the heart of proceedings opting for power and height, which Gordon could only palm wide.
Smith got the response he needed from the resulting corner. Bradford failed to clear, and Joe Cooper, pounced in typically clinical fashion.
That goal would prove to be the winner. In truth it was a game that could have ended in a draw. York will be pleased with the victory and Ben Smith’s men will inevitably use the game as a platform for the season ahead.
Could OF??? COULD OF???? ARGH!