U13s York 2-0 Doncaster
York played host to Doncaster, looking to continue their recent run of good form which had seen them win their previous two games. On a tricky surface, a confident York began brightly, playing their football in the Doncaster half and pushing their opponents back. Despite their good play, chances were limited but York kept pushing. Their positive play was rewarded after twenty minutes when Lleyton Brown beat his marker and finished coolly. The same player was then brought down in the area, unfortunately York didn’t take advantage as the resultant penalty was steered wide. The away side came into the game as the half progressed, putting York under pressure and creating the odd half chance. However, they encountered a resilient York defence, determined to keep them out. Despite a number of long range shots, York couldn’t add to their lead and went into half time 1-0 to the good.
The second half began in a similar pattern to the first : York confident on the ball, quick in the tackle, working hard for one another. Ben Garbutt-Smith came alive, utilising his skills and pace to make a number of penetrative runs down the right to torment the Doncaster defence. When called upon, York’s defence stuck to their task, making it difficult for Doncaster to work any clear openings. York deservedly extended their lead on the 50 minute mark, central defender Jack Cottam skilfully steering in a header from a Seb Holowkiewicz corner. York continued to press, looking to put the game out of reach but were unable to add a third. The final ten minutes saw Doncaster put York under a good deal of pressure as they raised their efforts in an attempt to get something out of the game. However, York refused to buckle – the one good chance that did fall to Doncaster was saved smartly and bravely from close-range by keeper Jacob Bryant. The home side demonstrated good game management – the midfield keeping things compact and the defence ensuring they weren’t pulled out of position – to close things out and claim a well deserved, 2-0 victory and record their third consecutive win.
MOM : Jack Cottam and Jack Redman – a strong, solid, resolute defensive pairing who helped their team to its first clean sheet of the season.
Scorers : Lleyton Brown, Jack Cottam
