U15s Bradford 3-2 York & District (league)

Bradford v York & District u15s
Venue: Bradford Park Avenue Horsfall Stadium
Date: 10th February 2024

Team Lineup: Ben Alder, Luca Long, Harley Waddington, Matteo James, Charlie Anderson, Sam Parris, Oliver Waygood, Lucas Matthews, Dara Sanusi, Harry Waines, Isaac Arif, Finn Davis, Ewan Daly, Matthew Orr, Olaf Gorczyczewski

York returned to league action with a catch up fixture against Bradford. Originally postponed due to fixture conflicts, the weather conditions at York meant that the game was reversed at the last minute to Bradford’s Horsfall Stadium, York giving up home advantage. In fairness, the excellent facilities and playing surface was advantageous to both teams as it produced a very close, excellent game of football.

Bradford are pushing for the league title and it was always going to be a tough game, but testament to the York boys who pushed them the whole way showing a real battling spirit, as well as playing some excellent football. All 15 of York’s squad contributed massively to a very competitive game.

The opening exchanges were quite even with both teams creating opportunities. Bradford’s goalkeeper was a key part of their attack with fantastic distribution, regularly switching play and this was causing an issue for the York fullbacks. However York were also causing some problems as Olaf Gorczyczewski was proving to be a menace up front, hassling defenders, driving forward and bringing his teammates into the game. On the flanks both Finn Davis and Ewan Daly were getting forward and forced corners. The excellent Harry Waines in midfield alongside Lucas Matthews were constantly winning the ball back and restarting the attacks, providing defensive cover as well. Isaac Arif was the energy in the midfield engine room.

At the back Harley Waddington and Luca Long were the centre back pairing with Sam Parris and Charlie Anderson at full back and the ever reliable Ben Alder in goal. It was through the wide channels that Bradford were creating problems, but with Davis and Daly dropping back to provide cover York were coping, albeit being put under pressure. Ironically it was from York’s attacking corner that Bradford scored the first goal, when the corner was claimed by the keeper who released a long ball to the striker. It was a great finish as he still had a lot to do with Long and Matthews bearing down on him

Gorczyczewski was still causing Bradford a lot of problems up front and was getting closer to scoring when his long shot was excellently saved, but it was Bradford who scored again when the ball somehow managed to evade everyone, including the Bradford forward, and roll into the net with Alder helpless to keep it out. 2-0 down and it looked a long way back for York. However Oliver Waygood was on for the injured Daly who slotted in well at full back and was immediately able to block out the cross ball threat from Bradford. Matteo James also swapped with Long at centre back as he need running repairs on his boots, but the York defence started to get to grips with their opposition. It was near the end of the first half that York found a way back into the game when the sheer persistence and powerful play from Gorczyczewski pressing the Bradford keeper forced the turnover which resulted in a goalmouth scramble where he finally got the ball over the line. A scruffy goal but a goal all the same as the teams headed into halftime at 2-1.

Dara Sanusi and Matthew Orr started the second half and added some physicality to the midfield and wing positions. York started to play the ball around very well and were proving a very worthy match for Bradford. Finn Davis was now excelling on the left wing and along with Orr on the right creating chances. It was Davis that was instrumental in the equaliser when neat play from Sanusi, Orr and Gorczyczewski released Davis in the box who was then taken down for a penalty. He the stepped up and dispatched the penalty with aplomb to level the scores. A great comeback for York, now could either team push for the winner.

With Daly back on and Orr switched to the left they both were working hard to create more opportunities. The Bradford team were getting increasingly frustrated as York were certainly on the up as they created freekicks and corners, with Gorczyczewski testing the keeper from distance. However Bradford slowly got back into the game and through their excellent midfielder were starting to create some opportunities that the York defence were dealing with. It was through a moment of real quality that Bradford worked the winner with a well taken shot. York had about 10 minutes to rescue a point but just fell short of the result they deserved. Well done to Bradford who now take the league down to the final game, as York’s attentions turn to the next 2 weeks of cup competitions.

Final score: Bradford 3-2 York & District
Scorers: Gorczyczewski, Davis (pen)