U12s Barnsley 3-6 York

York scorers: Joseph Meek (2), Harry Shane, James Rennocks, Ben Armitage, Jack Redman.

The first game of the season for the newly selected U12 squad saw York visit Barnsley. The away team made a brilliant start, taking a 1-0 lead in the 2nd minute. Joe Meek with a low, left foot finish after good work from Arthur Jefferson-Hallett, put them in front. Jefferson-Hallett then set up James Rennocks, who shot narrowly wide. York began to dominate possession, creating a number of chances that unfortunately went begging. After the 20 minute mark, they doubled their lead when Meek cut in from the left to score with a right foot strike. Barnsley raised their game and, after pressuring the York midfield into conceding possession, they broke through to halve the deficit and make the score 1-2. Shortly after, they pulled level, reacting first to a rebound off the crossbar. 2-2. This seemed to shock York into action, and they quickly regained the lead following a long range drive from Harry Shane into the bottom corner of the net.

The second half kicked off with York leading 3-2, but Barnsley were soon level again, pouncing on a defensive error to finish smartly. 3-3. Again, York responded with Rennocks beating a number of players before scoring at the second attempt. York regained control of the game and began to pass the ball better, with midfielders Kiam Browne and Harry Fort winning possession and starting some good attacks. As the game wore on, York looked solid defensively with Shane, Ben Armitage and Billy Hobson combining well to limit chances and goalkeeper Jacob Bryant organising the players in front of him.

Mid way through the half, Armitage extended York’s lead with a long range, swerving free-kick that went in off the post. The scoring was completed and victory made certain a few minutes later, when Jack Redman hooked the ball in for a smart finish from close-range to make the final score 6-3.

Overall, a convincing win for York. Their work-rate was first-class and they showed that, when they move the ball quickly and accurately, they can create chances and stretch the opposition. A good start to the season.

MOM: Billy Hobson – calm under pressure, growing in confidence.