U12s York 4-0 Spen Valley (Michael Dale Trophy)

This week saw York U12’s face Spen Valley for the second time in and their first Cup clash of the season.

The game began similarly to the previous meetings between these two teams with York controlling the game and having the majority of chances and possession. It took a while before York were able to break through the Valley defence and open the scoring, but they did so with style. The commanding Ellis Cattaneo sprayed a delightful ball out wide to York’s adventurous right full-back Matthew Dawes, who beat his opposite number before pulling the ball back to Tom Algar who confidently smashed the ball past the goalkeeper. York ahead,1-0.

For the rest of the first half York were dominant and controlling the match with ease.

Continuing on from the very positive first half, York were determined to put the tie to bed and set out at pace, playing some attractively football, with confidence. The defensive line of Dillon Meehan, Will Hotson, Tom Coy, Matthew Dawes and keeper Noah Ellis were not often called upon but they maintained their concentration throughout the hour.

York soon doubled their advantage midway through the second half – tidy work down the right hand side allowed Kaiden Butler to slip around the back to fire a shot away on target that the keeper could only parry into the path of ( MOTM contender) Cole Gayles who poked it home and wheeled away in celebration.

Straight from the resulting kick-off York weren’t willing to settle there. Butler pinched to ball back on half way before releasing to his right hand side partner Dawes, who then slotted Tommy Cahill through on goal. Again, his powerful shot hit the target but found the keeper in the way, but as before, he could only parry it into the path of Cattaneo who coolly finished, making it 3-0 to the home side.

With 15 minutes to the final whistle, York continued to press for a forth and seal their place in the next round – and it came as no surprise when they did so. It came from another superb Matthew Dawes set piece delivery. The corner was met in the air by debutant Oliver Tarbit who thundered his header into the roof of the net to ensure York were in the hat for the next round.

An overall fantastic performance by York, leaving behind last week’s disappointment.

York will now face East-Riding in the Semi Final (date TBC). 

MOTM – Mathew Dawes