U12s York 2-0 Sheffield (Michael Dale Trophy Semi-Final)

Last Saturday York U12 Schoolboys hosted Sheffield U12’s in the semi-final of the Michael Dale Cup, Sheffield probably went in to the game slight favourites after beating York 3-2 early on in the season and were currently sitting pretty at the top of the league.

The match started at a fantastic pace with both teams definitely up for the challenge, York started to take control of the match by winning the midfield battle, Noah Ward, Jamie Kay, Ozzy Shaw and Matty Ellison were immense and set the tempo for their team mates. The first chance of the match fell for York, Ben Farrar received the ball on the wide left, he took on the defender and let fly a shot from the edge of the box, it beat the keeper only to hit the inside of the far post and roll agonisingly along the goal line, somehow it stayed out and was cleared by the Sheffield defence.

Sheffield began to look for the long ball over the top of the York defence, however York’s back 3 of Jimmy Hendon, Harry Graves and Brogan Dunne snuffed out any attack. The ref blew for Half time, 0-0, York probably edging the first half but it was on a knife edge.

The second half again started like the first, however in the 32nd minute the York midfield won the ball and it broke free to Farrar who took the ball from just inside Sheffield’s half and headed for goal, he was able to hold off the Sheffield defence and shoot passed the Sheffield keepers outstretched arms to see the ball hit the back of the net, 1-0 York.

York now took control and instead of sitting on the 1-0 lead they went in search of a 2nd, Matty Ellison hitting the post with a lovely right foot shot and Brogan Dunne seeing the Sheffield keeper pull off the save of the season to deny York a well deserved 2nd goal.

Sheffield rallied and began to put pressure on York, however York were more than capable of riding the late storm, with minutes to go York went on the attack again with Cam McMillan, the ball broke free for Farrar who took the chance, chipping the keeper for his 2nd goal and send York through to the final.

Credit to Sheffield they nearly scored with the final kick of the game but thankfully Stan Connor stayed focused and pulled off a superb save to keep a clean sheet and see York over the line.

A truly fantastic team performance from York who deserved the win.

York U12’s will play East Riding in the Michael Dale Cup final on Saturday 28th Match, venue TBC.