United 0 York 0
United and York City fought out a goalless draw at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon in a game where defences dominated and chances were few and far between.
On a difficult surface United had the first couple of efforts as Adam Chapman and Tom Craddock saw shots go well wide or blocked. With the luxury of an unchanged team for the first time since August The U’s once again looked a solid unit in the early exchanges although visiting keeper Michael Ingham wasn’t tested until the 21st minutes when he fielded a Damian Batt free kick from 25 yards.
Josh Parker, again lively on the right wing, forced a better save with a 24th minute left footed effort which Ingham tipped round the post but the U’s were grateful that Matty Blair headed straight at Luke McCormick when York created their first chance on 27 minutes to keep it 0-0 at the break.
After an eight game run without a win you could hardly fault York’s commitment to the cause as they worked tirelessly to deny United space and they had another good chance early in the second half as Ashley Chambers’ dipping effort just cleared the bar with McCormick backpedalling. However United were undeniably on top but struggling to find a way through despite the introduction of Alfie Potter and Deane Smalley up front.
Set pieces seemed drawn towards Inham's gloves while passes started to go astray as the patient approach started to be replaced by frustration. Michael Raynes sent in a 20 yard effort which Ingham held comfortably again, Chapman stumbled as he tried to tee up a shot inside the box and the York back-line just refused to crack.
Another clean sheet for the steady McCormick and his back line, and another point on the board but a game devoid of goalmouth action and chances. York will be pleased with a point away from home while United know they have more quality than they showed over this 90 minutes.
Att:5,808
Away 319
Fifty/50 number 275809 wins £1,025.50
Report by Chris Williams, pictures by Steve Daniels, stats by PA Sports