York’s firsts brush aside Leeds with commanding win
Photograph by Justyn Hardcastle
UNIVERSITY OF YORK FIRSTS 2
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS FIRSTS 0
Saturday 31st October – Northern Universities League
The importance of an opening league win cannot be underestimated in football; in the professional game, manager’s jobs can be lost, valuable points can be won and players and fan’s confidence can be boosted or damaged by just the odd goal. For York’s firsts a victory of real class and grit will stand them in great stead for the upcoming season, as they saw off Leeds in an ultimately comfortable win.
For the majority of the first-half it was fairly nip and tuck. In a twenty minute spell midway through the half it was the visitors who seemed to be gaining control. Smart saves from goalkeeper Sam Clitheroe prevented Leeds’ tricky forwards giving them the lead on a couple of occasions. Firstly reacting well after spilling an initial shot and later coming out on top in a one-on-one with a winger who, in fairness, should have scored after a clever run between wing-back and defender.
In the event, it was the employment of wing-backs in a 3-5-2 formation that proved to be the difference between the two sides. It allowed the midfield three, of Mark Mcleod, Ash Daily and Connor Brennan, to gain control of the game, and it allowed for the breakthrough towards the end of the half.
When York were threatening, it was invariably down the flanks and forward Dan Cox will feel he could, and maybe should, have converted a header from a teasing Ian McKellow cross. And, crucially, the first goal came from the right side; a Joe Brennan cross.
Chris Barnett rises highest to head York into a first-half lead, before wheeling away in celebration (above). Photograph by Justyn Hardcastle.
A lapse in concentration from Leeds allowed a quick throw-in to arrive at the feet of the lively Brennan. A glance up and a dangerous ball in was met by Chris Barnett on the opposite wing, whose header found the bottom corner and gave York the half-time lead that their late pressure merited. In an aggressive first-half, in which the combative midfield battle took centre stage, it was up to one side to seize the initiative. It was the hosts that did so, and excellently.
In the second-half York remained in control and were rarely troubled at the back, it was the mixture of industry and artistry in a midfield quintet that was able overpower Leeds and seal the win. Leeds did hit the cross-bar after a fumble from Clitheroe, but it would have been a cruel blow for York whose superiority began to tell by the final stages. In a slick move Joe Brennan had a shot cleared off the line, and the resulting corner highlighted Leeds’ nervous defending and York’s threat from wide areas, until it was eventually scrambled clear.
Dan Cox squares up to a Leeds defender during this occasionally hot-tempered encounter. Photograph by Justyn Hardcastle.
As York began closing out the game, particularly after the arrival of Nav Jabarkyl toughening up the midfield, it was a lofted ball through the middle from McKellow – moved to wing-back and looking just as comfortable as he did up top – that found Brennan, who sealed the win. Brennan, with a trademark turn of pace, darted through to slide a left-footed shot under the goalkeeper. With the ball squirming beneath the keeper it took a second tap-in to see it over the line.
It was the final nail in the coffin for Leeds, as Brennan ended up walking the ball in. But for York it was the gloss on a win that has started their league campaign as they mean to go on.
It was the shape of the side that seemed to work so well, albeit with a few scares, and the manner of victory that is most satisfying. The side has a mixture of ball-winners and game-winners, and a very assured back three. On this performance, a league win could not be beyond this side; it was hard-fought yet classy and, in every sense of the phrase, a perfect start.
York’s season continues with a home BUCS League match with Hull University on Wednesday (kick-off 2pm on the 22 Acres). Photograph by Justyn Hardcastle.
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