York through to last 16 after Stirling performance

York men’s football 1st team continued their phenomenal form with yet another win against Stirling 2nds in the BUSA plate. Following 8 wins in the previous 9 matches the 1sts made it a 10 game unbeaten run by easing pass their Scottish opponents in a match that should maybe have been won earlier and easier by the York team. In the end a brace from striker Mark Gouland and a goal line header from Murrills won it for York.

Having won their BUSA 3B league York were rewarded with a place in the BUSA plate: a competition for all the BUSA league winners across the country with entrants ranging from University of Plymouth in the south-west to University of Abertay in Scotland. Thankfully the format is regional in the early stages so York were saved a long away trip and welcomed University of Stirling 2nd team to the fortress of 22 acres.

Injury and unavailability meant a small shake up of the York team; Gardner dropped into defence in place of Rixon and O’Shea played in centre-midfield for the injured Ramsden, leaving a spot in the frontline for Ed Murrills. Despite the changes the team were very strong, with the same 13 forming a tight unit over the past few months.

York started well and passed the ball well around the Scots on the crisp grass of 22 acres. Stirling struggled to deal with the 3-5-2 formation and for the first 15 minutes York utilised the extra man in midfield to great effect. Tough tackling midfielder Witherwick, who was determined to play despite an excruciating injury to his ‘little pinky toe’, used the space to spread the ball wide where Smith and Cooper were waiting to deliver into the box. Stirling’s captain realised this danger and was forced into adjusting his team’s formation in order to match York with 5 in the middle of the park.

York’s wing backs were tireless in their running but were both guilty of the delaying the cross on occasions. Fortunately for York it was one of these occasions that led to the ball being played back from the left to Wilson who dug out a great whipped cross to Gouland. The striker controlled the ball just inside the 18 yard box and lobbed his volley over the stranded ‘keeper into the far side of the net.

At 1-0 York grew in confidence and Stirling struggled to put any real pressure on the York goal. Emmerson was relatively untroubled in goal and was most frequently called upon to deal with backpasses from the York defence. York should have put more away in the first half but it stayed at 1-0 until half-time. As O'Shea and McWilliams rallied their troops there was concern over the fitness of winger Henry Smith, who took a knock on his calf early on but he battled on regardless, determined to wind up the Stirling players and referee!

The second-half was a similar affair; York were in cruise control and rarely looked stretched at the back but failed to capitalise on chances and extend their lead. This lack of clinical finishing cost York when Stirling had their first period of concerted pressure. A series of free-kicks around the York penalty box allowed the visitors to deliver balls into ‘the mixer’.

When one of these free-kicks came out of the low setting afternoon sun, goalkeeper Emmerson struggled to follow the flight of the ball and in the end did well to tip the ball onto the crossbar. Unfortunately for York the ball rebounded to a gleeful Scottish forward who volleyed the ball goalwards. Emmerson was now out of position and in his desperation to keep the ball out it seemed he merely helped it on its way. The UYAFC dubious goals committee are currently looking into the goal but most of the York players agree it was probably yet another own goal for the eccentric Emmerson.

Conceding the goal gave the York team a kick up the backside that they needed in order to ensure they clicked into 4th or 5th gear and won this game. It would have been an injustice for Stirling to get anything from the game and the home side raised their game in pursuit of a winner. Some great set-pieces from Gouland and Wilson bombarded the Stirling area and eventually York’s aerial dominance resulted in a goal. A corner from Gouland was met by Witherwick who’s goal bound header was blocked on the line only for the onrushing Murrills to bundle the ball into the net with a fortunate header.

York were ahead once again and determined not to throw it away this time, with 20 minutes remaining. A resolute defence combined with endless running from the midfield stifled Stirling’s attacks and York created a few more chances but couldn’t put the result beyond doubt meaning the crowd and players endured a nervy last quarter of an hour. Witherwick’s weak foot caused him to be replaced by Kit Edwards who’s fresh legs helped settle the midfield in the closing stages.

Just as Stirling were building up for a final push York scored the killer goal. Yet another assist for Wilson and another goal for Gouland as Wilson’s corner was attacked by O’Shea, Gardner and Gouland. Predatory instincts which have been honed over an illustrious BUSA career meant Gouland rose highest and powered his header past the helpless goalkeeper.

It finished 3-1 which the Stirling players agreed was a fair result as they trudged off the pitch faced with a long journey home with nothing to show for their travels south of the border. The win means York are through to the last 16 of the BUSA Plate and ironically have been drawn against Stirling 3rd team, which on paper should be an easier task than the 2nd team York already faced. However, the Stirling 1st and 2nd teams are without further fixtures so there is a chance that the Stirling team that arrives on Wednesday 20th February could be stronger than expected.

Further build-up to the next Stirling game will come soon on The Yorker.

Line-up (3-5-2): Emmerson, Evans, McWilliams, Gardner, Smith, Cooper, O’Shea, Witherwick (Edwards 75), Wilson, Murrills, Gouland.

Scorers: Gouland(2), Murrills

Man of the match: Mark Gouland/Dom O’Shea

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.