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
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
University of York 1sts 1 - 1 University of Sheffield 1sts
In a closely fought contest York 1s grabbed a late and well deserved point away to Sheffield. A perfect pitch allowed for some neat exchanges and good passing football from both sides, but in the early stages in was Sheffield who looked more likely to score and indeed did so around 20 minutes in. The goal came after York had charged forward in numbers, the collapse of the attack giving Sheffield the chance to counter with York’s defence scrambling to re-organise itself. It was after Oscar Lynch was dragged out right that the dangerous Sheffield striker, grey hair and all, produced a bit of sublime skill to manoeuvre himself into the box, rifling the ball low across the box for a Sheffield midfielder to smash home on the second attempt.
Judging by form thus far this season York could have been expected to fold, and succumb to more goals and yet another comprehensive defeat. However the goal seemed to more motivate the visitors more than anything, with the creation of several half-chances helping to revive team morale further. One sweeping move around the half hour mark very nearly led to a goal, only to be scuppered by a poor touch by left winger Jack Beadle. Some quick interplay involving Ash Daly, Tom Clarke and James Davis created space for Beadle at the far post, but the otherwise impressive winger failed to get it out of his feet and rushed a deflected shot. Towards the end of the first half the game then got somewhat scrappy, and some heavy challenges were made.
In the second period, a tit for tat, you attack, we attack style of play became increasingly prevalent. Clever movement from the classy fresher James Davis left the Sheffield side baffled at times, as he began to pick up the ball in ever more dangerous positions. From a false ten position just off of striker Tom Clarke he was a constant thorn in the side of Sheffield, with his elusive running and constant harrying proving testing.
Changes late in the second half saw a flagging Beadle replaced by Dan Atherton, and midfielder Daly sacrificed in favour of striker Kristian as York went all out for an equaliser. A couple of times York were able to exploit space down the flanks only to lack an effective final ball, with a frantic home defence seemingly holding strong. But with just three minutes left a corner ball by Tom Clarke found Lynch at the back post and the giant centre back able to force the ball home from a tight angle. The final few minutes saw York press for the win, with half chances falling to both Clarke and Tom Brandwreth, whose speculative volley from distance only just missed the top corner. All in all however York were glad to take a point from a game that they had come so close to losing.
Possibly the most encouraging aspect of the game was the success of deploying a 4-5-1 formation against a tough Sheffield side. In previous games a traditional 4-4-2 formation had looked a little rigid, and left too big a gap between a fairly deep lying midfield and the strike force. A change in formation also brought Tom Clarke into play more, something that is essential because he is the player who is probably most central to York’s chances of success this year. It was a result and a performance that gives York 1s reason to be optimistic about the year ahead, with the commitment shown by the players contrasting sharply with the somewhat apathetic displays thus far. The quality is clearly there, and if the team continue to show such a positive attitude then captain Dan Turley may be able to steer his side towards the right end of the table.
Starting Line Up:
GK - Luke Bradley RB - Dan Turley (C) CB - Tom Brandwreth CB - Oscar Lynch LB - Luke Parker RM - Alex Reid CM - Ashley Daly (Kristian Fowler) CM - Matt Mawdesley (Ollie Harrison) LM - Jack Beadle (Dan Atherton) AM - James Davies ST - Tom Clarke
Man of the Match - James Davies
You must log in to submit a comment.
