A James Roberts goal earned United all three points at Bootham Crescent this afternoon. The young striker followed an FA Cup debut double last week with a classic poacher's goal as the U's beat York for the first time since Wembley 2010.
United came under early pressure from a York side looking for their first home win of the season. A couple of well-timed interventions from skipper Jake Wright and a smart save from Ryan Clarke from Wes Fletcher kept it scoreless and then the U’s started to get the ball down and play their usual brand of neat passing football. There was a let off on 15 minutes when a fine strike from Michael Coulson beat Clarke but cannoned back off the bar, although Danny Hylton saw an effort blocked at the other end as he looked to mark his return from suspension with a goal.
United then pressed on and a Brian Howard free kick on 33 was tipped over for a corner by home keeper Alex Cisak. It was the briefest of reprieves as from the corner United were in front. A wicked in-swinging ball was glanced across goal by Hylton and Roberts reacted in typical predatory fashion to plant the ball past Cisak for his first league goal. Trust us, there will be plenty more.
York came back strongly from that opening goal and United were grateful to Ryan Clarke for a good save to deny Stephane Zubar in the opening moments of the second half. The U’s were defending well when required but are a lively outfit on the counter attack and a Potter effort on 56 was sneaking into the bottom-left corner until Cisak tipped it round the post.
The excellent full-back pairing of Joe Riley and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis and the ever-reliable Johnny Mullins and Jake Wright made a number of timely tackles, augmented by Andy Whing as required, as the Minstermen pressed but it was United who had the best chance when Roberts sprinted down the right channel and blasted in another shot for Cisak to save.
The Aylesbury youngster then bustled clear once more 81 with the chance to kill the game but this time Roberts' low shot clipped the base of the left-hand post and rolled across goal but didn't cross the line.
That left York's hopes alive but a combination of concentration, togetherness and a fierce determination to keep a clean sheet saw the U's home for a well-earned win. Next up they face AFC Wimbledon at the Kassam Stadium. Be part of it...
Att:3,363
Away:468
Report by Chris Williams Pics by Darrell Fisher Stats by Opta
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