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
University of York 1sts 2-1 Northumbria University 1sts
York fought until the very end of the game as Northumbria threatened their position in the League. York maintained strong passes and great teamwork against Northumbria, who were no match for them.
The game started off with Northumbria showing a strong front, maintaining possession of the ball and almost scoring a lot of goals. Northumbria scored the first goal of the match from a penalty, and continued to be lethal in their attacks. York was beginning to look quite frustrated and one of the players, Nikolai Bode, commented that “We need to get our rhythm”.
But York fought through with Nick Latcham almost scoring. Frustration seemed to rise in both teams. With York fighting to stay in the League, as if they lost this game then York would be in a greater danger of relegation, the general atmosphere was tense. A fight ensued between James Branton and a Northumbria player, who were sternly talked to by the umpire.
However, there was increasingly good playing by York, especially from Andrew Harris, Nickolai Bode and Billy Walsh who seemed to keep the players motivated throughout the game with good dribbling and strong passes throughout. Walsh was especially good in defence.
It was good to get a win for the team
A penalty corner was awarded to York. Dan Alder hit in the penalty and passed it to Walsh. The ball was triumphantly smashed into the goal by James Branton. This goal now meant that York and Northumbria were head to head with one goal each. Tension rose as both teams took a break for half time.
The second half saw York maintain strong possession of the ball. The game was much faster paced, as hunger for victory rose. Henry Meller was flying all over the pitch as he was particularly good at keeping possession of the ball and was attacked on numerous occasions by more than one Northumbria player at a time.
Following this, York had numerous near goals by Harris and Meller. The anticipation rose, as York were eager for another goal. The ball continued to be in York’s possession, as a penalty corner ensued. York narrowly missed. Northumbria had lost momentum but York fought on. Northumbria seemed to physically attack York players, especially Meller. At one point a hockey stick flew across the pitch.
Northumbria had lots of penalty corners but York was too good at defending the goal. As time began to run out, the tension continued to build. However, in a long swoop Andy Harris smoothly strikes, scoring for York and claiming a 2-1 victory over Northumbria.
Speaking after the game York captain Andrew McIlwraith said, “Last time we played Northumbria we lost but today we were on quality form”. He continued that he was “absolutely delighted” that York had won the match and now York is “well off the bottom of the table”. The winning goal from Andrew Harris was a huge achievement and he said, “It was good to get a win for the team”.
Team Sheet: Sam Harriman- Goal Keeper, Luke Featherstone, Andrew McIlwraith- Captain, Matthew Foakes, Richard Larkin, Robert Newton, Mark Inman, Billy Walsh, Andrew Harris, Henry Meller, James Branton, Nick Latchem,Dan Alder,Nickolai Bode.
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