U13s York 3-1 Sheffield

Graves; Evans, Whalen, Jones, Myers (Morgan); Richardson (Almond), Clarkson, Chan, Boyeson; Clark, Fash (Sorgie).

York entertained Sheffield in foul weather conditions and played well enough to compensate their loyal supporters for braving the cold and the relentless, driving rain.

York started well and nearly took the lead when a fine strike from a free kick by Ben Myers hit the post and was scrambled clear.  Having had the better of the opening exchanges, York nearly fell behind, however, when a mix up at the back presented a chance for Sheffield only for Dylan Jones’ famed recovery powers to (yet again) save the day.

Luca Chan, Adam Clarkson and Sam Clark repeatedly linked well as York asserted control and probed for the opening: coming closest when a Clarkson shot found the side netting. Finally, the goal that York had threatened arrived. A Ben Myers corner was flicked on by Joseph Richardson and Clarkson stabbed the ball home from close range. Sheffield responded well forcing a brave block and timely clearance from Jack Whalen whilst Alex Graves in the York goal displayed safe handling despite the treacherous conditions.

Oliver Fash, playing up front, held the ball up well and linked well with midfielders’ runners laying off a Clarkson cross to Sam Clark whose shot was well saved by the Sheffield goalkeeper. Joseph Richardson then found the killer pass, just ahead of the break, to release Bobby Boyeson and he showed great skill in drawing the goalkeeper and coolly dinking the ball over him to make it 2-0.

Whilst York continued to have the upper hand, with substitutes Will Almond and Kean Sorgie linking well only for Will’s shot to be well saved, they could not increase their advantage. Jack Whalen and Dylan Jones, at the heart of the defence, always looked in control and full backs, Ryan Evans and Ben Myers, were able to press forward to good effect. Evans went close after the ball broke to him following a corner and further shots from Clarkson and Fash threatened a third which finally came when Sorgie reacted well to tuck home the rebound after another Clarkson shot had struck the post.

3-0 was probably not fully reflective of the balance of play in York’s favour but, in the final moments of the game, a momentary defensive lapse presented Sheffield with a consolation goal. 3-1 was a great result given the strength of the opposition and the appalling weather conditions.