U15s League York 1-0 Barnsley

League Gameday 5 (28th October 2023)
York & District v Barnsley

Team Line-up:
Back row (L-R) Matteo James, Matthew Orr, Ben Alder, Dara Sanusi, Olaf Gorczyczweski, Harley Waddington, Sam Parris, Harry Waines
Front row (L-R) Finn Davis, Jungi Park, Isaac Arif, Charlie Goodwin, Lucas Matthews, Ewan Daly, Luca Long

On a damp, misty morning York hosted reigning League and Cup double champions Barnsley on gameday 5 of the Yorkshire League. A superb game ensued for those watching, resulting in a fantastic win for York as their good start to the season continued. This was a battle from start to finish and York can be very pleased with the work that was put in at both ends of the pitch, when a great attacking display in the first half was matched by a resolute defensive display in the second that was a testament to the effort put in by all 15 players from the York squad.

In their changed blue strip York started well and it didn’t take long before they created their first chance when Ewan Daly played a great through ball to Olaf Gorczyczweski who was in on goal but thwarted by a great save from the Barnsley keeper. An encouraging start that gave York confidence. At the other end Barnsley were a threat but the defensive line led by Harley Waddington were looking strong, mainly limiting Barnsley to long shots. Barnsley did force a number of corners which were excellently defended by York winning the first and second ball to clear their lines. Goalkeeper Ben Alder was again calm and assured, quick off his line, comfortable under a high ball and constantly talking to his defence. Luca Long, alongside Waddington was strong in the tackle and was reading any danger very well. Full backs Sam Parris and Lucas Matthews gave the team width and combined well with the wings to start the attacks and keep possession. Matthew Orr on the left and Daly on the right were linking well with the full backs and the midfield of Harry Waines, Dara Sanusi and Charlie Goodwin. Waines was instrumental in breaking up attacks and recycling possession while Sanusi’s guile and Goodwin’s energy were the link to the attack.

It was the combinations between Goodwin, Daly and Gorczyczweski that were getting York into good attacking positions and forced a number of corners. Jun Park and Isaac Arif entered the fray in midfield and it was Park who helped open up the Barnsley defence with a slick one-two with Goodwin, who then released Gorczyczweski to shoot at goal which the keeper parried, but Daly was quickest to react to give York a deserved lead. Now York needed to see this through to half-time and the additions of Matteo James and Finn Davis helped bring a calmness to game with better control on the flanks.

Second half Barnsley started to show why they are the reigning champions as they began to force York back, pushing for an equaliser. York started to sit deeper and deeper, relying on the outball of Finn Davis and Matthew to get up the pitch and it almost worked as Davis snuck in from the left but just couldn’t get enough on the shot to beat the keeper, and Orr got in on a number of occasions from the right. Sanusi and Arif were providing the through balls, while Waines was continually getting his long legs in to steal the ball back. Gorczyczweski worked tirelessly up front chasing and holding the ball up to relieve the pressure.

Alder produced a great save when the Barnsley striker got in for a 1 v 1. Every corner, free kick and attack was defended by York as if their lives depended on it, epitomised by Waddington leading by example. Daly had to fill in at left back as Lucas Matthews had to leave the pitch due to illness and did brilliantly, Despite the rearguard action, York were still dangerous on the counter and Orr broke through again almost rounding the keeper for the insurance goal. Still Barnsley came, and still they were repelled. The final whistle was music to York’s ears as they secured a hard fought 3 points against a very strong team.

Back to Champions Cup next week with a trip to the North East, secure in the knowledge of another 3 points on the board in the league. A very solid start to the season continues.

Final score: York 1 – 0 Barnsley
Goalscorer: Daly