U15 York 1 Sheffield 2

York Schoolboys Under 15s squared up to arch rivals Sheffield for one last time and after a keenly fought affair were unlucky to go down 2-1 with the last kick of the match. This fixture between the best of enemies has produced some monumental tussles over a 5 year period and this was another ding dong battle.

The visitors started much the brighter and controlled the early exchanges with some good possession football but failed to capitalise on a series of half chances with home keeper Liam Powell looking solid between the sticks. York gradually took a foothold with Ben Burdett again impressing in the central areas and as the half wore on they created opportunities of their own.

Firstly Elliott Fenton sprung the Sheffield offside trap and with the keeper to beat he squared the ball to Adam Wilson but the striker could not convert from the edge of the six yard box. A few minutes later Wilson turned provider as he fed Sam Drake inside the penalty area only for the midfielder’s shot to hit a defender and deflect for a corner and the half ended goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern although the home team possibly saw more of the ball as both teams searched for an opener goal. This eventually arrived when the hosts failed to clear a corner kick and the ball was forced into the net through a crowded penalty area.

York’s response was swift as a long ball over the top caught out the Sheffield defence and Adam Wilson needed no second invitation as he comprehensively beat the keeper with a low strike.

York were then forced into soaking up periods of pressure but in Bailey Fleming and man of the match Jarrad Benson they had star performers at the back. Will Hall also had another good game in midfield and as the clock ticked down York looked to have secured a valuable point.

However, as has been the case with this fixture over the years there was to be late drama as the visitors sent a hopeful ball into the box which in turn was headed past second half keeper Dave Howard from close range to make Sheffield favourites to take the title.