Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Morale, as always, was high amongst the 2nd team as they journeyed south with a strong starting line, welcoming back Remington, Clithroe and the diminutive Edwards following his defection to the medics.
The playing surface at Huddersfield was in surprisingly good condition and the wide pitch lent itself to York’s wing back system, but despite this the team made a typically cagey and scrappy start. Though York did threaten in the opening exchanges, with Ian 'Gandalf' Mckellow and Jack Crane making inroads down the flanks, it was Huddersfield who took a 1-0 lead into half time.
Skipper Alex Richards gave a rousing team talk and the team responded with much more fluidity and composure in the middle of the park. Unfortunately, this injection of attacking intent left the visitors vulnerable at the back and with the help of some dubious York defending Huddersfield stretched their lead to 3-0. At this point Richards decided to make a double switch, launching Smith and 'Magic' Johnson into the fray to replace the effective but flagging Molyneux and Cox. The impact of fresh legs paid off almost immediately for York, as Smith set Mckellow free down the left, who squared for the onrushing Richards to steer the ball home.
In an Istanbulesque manner this galvanised York’s resolve and a sustained period of York pressure ensued, resulting in Johnson flicking another Mckellow cross into the net. There was comeback in the air and the Huddersfield players could feel it; several spats broke out amongst the home side, with their handsomely-challenged keeper bearing the brunt and making the loudest retaliations. Meanwhile, Jack 'Delap' Crane threatened constantly, and it was one of his long throws, challenged for by Richards, that caused havoc amongst a trio of Huddersfield players, who promptly bundled in an outrageous own goal to level the scores at 3-3.
Huddersfield did occasionally threaten late on, but the York back three of Grayland, Worrel and Jabarkhyl were impressively solid, and Clithroe made a strong comeback from his self-imposed absence midweek. However it was York who could have snatched victory with Cooper, Smith and Richards all guilty of wasteful finishing.
As the final whistle went it was York who seemed more disappointed with the draw, but in hindsight it was a well fought and credible point against a good side. York are now well placed to challenge for promotion as they move into the business end of the season; six points behind the league leaders Northumbria with a game in hand.
Team: Clithroe, Grayland, Worrell, Jabarkhyl, Crane, McKellow, Richards, Edwards, Molyneux (Johnson 60 mins), Cooper, Cox (Smith 60 mins)
Scorers: Richards 63, Johnson 69, OG 74
Captain's MOM: Ian Mckellow
You must log in to submit a comment.
