U15s Calderdale 1 – 2 York (Yorkshire Cup 2nd Rd)

The next challenge for York was an away trip in the 2nd Round of the Yorkshire Cup to face Calderdale.

Having narrowly lost to the same opponents a few weeks earlier, it was a great chance for the York boys to try and reverse that defeat.

 

York started the game well, passing the ball about with confidence despite the appalling conditions.

The York midfield looked that bit sharper than their opponents and were beginning to control this key area and put pressure on the Calderdale back line.

The first half chance fell to Matthew with a long range shot that just hurried past the post before George tested the keeper from a similar distance.

Calderdale looked void of any attacking threat through the central area and resorted to the long ball option on numerous occasions, winning a couple of corners that were easily dealt with by the York back four.

The visitor’s quick accurate passing was causing Calderdale problems, especially down the left channel with Jacob linking in well with Cole & George at every opportunity.

Finally, the home keeper was tested when Ollies quick turn and shot was pushed round the post.

With 25 minutes on the clock York won a free kick on the left about 35 yards out. Ellis floated the ball into the back post where Ollie was lurking to volley home superbly to give York a deserved lead.

Calderdale rallied briefly but a good opportunity was wasted as the final shot sailed well over the bar.

Another home attack was broken up by Adam and Will and the resulting pass dissected the two centre backs to find Joe at full pace.

He rounded the keeper and pulled the ball back to Connor whose initial shot was blocked before heading the rebound just over the bar from close range.

There was still time for Matthew to go close with a well taken free kick and Frankie to test the keeper before the half time break.

 

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances York knew the game wasn’t over and that the same intensity would be required in the second half.

 

Within the opening few minutes of the second half Frankie and Adam combined down the right to free Joe in the area but his shot from a narrow angle hit the post and bounced clear.

It looked only a matter of time before York would add to their tally but a misplaced pass in midfield gifted Calderdale the ball.

A precise pass split the York defence and the home team levelled totally against the run of play.

Another Calderdale attack was defused by Jacob and he released Cole down the left. His run forward turned the full back inside out and the resulting tackle could have been a penalty, but a corner was awarded.

Both teams now looked capable of snatching the next goal, but it was York who regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining.

The ball was picked up in midfield by George and he slid his pass through into Joes Path and he kept his cool to beat the advancing keeper.

Calderdale needed to find a goal and a switch to four strikers gave the York defenders something to think about as they pressed forward at every opportunity.

Then with only minutes remaining a clearance fell to Matthew on the right in acres of space. He broke forward and found Frankie unmarked on the edge of the box, but his shot sailed over the bar.

The York supporters looked anxiously at their watches as Calderdale pumped the ball into the York area.

Somehow the ball dropped on the six-yard box only for Will to pull off a remarkable block as the Calderdale striker unleashed his shot.

A fantastic display throughout from the York players who deservedly progress into the Semi final of the Yorkshire cup.

 

MOM – George

Goals – Ollie & Joe