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
The Minstermen went into the game as heavy favourites following their revived Conference form, but a first-half strike from Mo Harkin was enough to dash their hopes in front of 2,001 supporters at Bootham Crescent.
The result was a frustrating one for the home side, who dominated proceedings throughout but couldn't turn their possession into goals, as they missed an abundance of clear-cut chances.
Fans could be forgiven for expecting an early ride against the Conference South minnows as York raced out the blocks and were unlucky not to take an early lead. Mark Robinson and Onome Sodje both had early chances, whilst the home side were denied a penalty when Havant defender Brett Poate appeared to handle the ball in the area.
However, Harkin's 24th-minute effort opened the deadlock against the run of play as York's defensive frailties were cruelly revealed. The midfielder, later nominated for the prestigious FA Cup Player of the Round award, crashed his effort in off the crossbar, after slack marking allowed the visitors to produce some neat build-up play.
With the lead in hand, Havant looked to close down the game and produced a brilliant rearguard action for the remaining 64 minutes. City's attack was left frustrated by the passion, strength and determination of the visitor’s performance – all of which were too clearly from York’s complacent display.
Numerous chances came and went, but this was Havant & Waterlooville’s day as the Hampshire side made the second round of the famous FA Cup for the first time in their short 9-year history.
York's supporters made their feelings clear after the full-time whistle as an array of boos and jeers met the men in red as they felt the pain of being on the wrong end of an FA Cup giant-killing. The dream is over for another year - and it's back to the reality of the Conference next weekend as the Minstermen entertain Salisbury.
Full Time – York City 0-1 Havant & Waterlooville
Attendance – 2,001
York City: Evans, Craddock, McGurk, Kelly (Rhodes 85), Robinson, Brayson (Brodie 31), Elliott (Wroe 75), Panther, Woolford, Sodje , Farrell. Substitutes Not Used: Mimms, Parslow.
Havant and Waterlooville: Scriven, Smith, Jordan, Sharp, Poate, Harkin, Collins, Oatway (Wilkinson 75), Taggart (Gregory 59), Baptiste, Slabber (Pacquette 37). Substitutes Not Used: Taylor, Potter.
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