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
After the 6-0 FA Cup drubbing of Rushall Olympic, the Minstermen seem to be finally finding their form with a crushing victory at fellow strugglers Farsley.
The 1,603 packed into the Throstle's Nest were treated to a pre-match fireworks display - but it wasn't until the closing stages when York found their own explosive form as substitute striker Craig Farrell netted a couple of sparklers to secure three pivotal points.
The visitors, surely motivated by the presence of Setanta Sports' television cameras, got off to a positive start and could have taken the lead as early as the third minute as Onome Sodje sent an effort wide. However, the travelling fans didn't have to wait long for the breakthrough as early pressure paid off on eight minutes thanks to Daniel Breen's neat finish.
A good spell from the home side followed but City soon settled and doubled their advantage on 23 minutes. McBreen turned provider with the assist as he found Paul Brayson in the penalty-box and the versatile forward bundled the ball home thanks, largely, to Carl Seldon's inability to clear the ball from his own line.
However, just as York looked set to enjoy a rout on a bitterly cold North Leeds evening, Farsley hit back superbly and got themselves right back into contention within six minutes. After stringing together a few good moves, Roy Stamer unleashed a superb 20-yard effort that dragged Farsley right back into the contest.
The goal acted as a wake-up goal for York who dominated the closing stages of the half and remained in control after the interval. However, supporters were made to wait late on in the game before seeing their side wrap up the points. Billy McEwan introduced Farrell from the bench and the 24-year-old, hat-trick hero last week against Rushall, soon finished off a resilient Celtic side.
The former Leeds forward re-opened York's two-goal advantage on 81 minutes as he latched onto a loose pass before firing an impressive effort beyond the outstretched Evans. He then put the result beyond any sort of doubt thanks to a fine finish with just three minutes left on the clock, leaving a shaky home backline stunned.
With both teams struggling at the wrong end of the table, this was a crucial victory for York, who are finally starting to show some of the form that put them on the brink of promotion last season.
Full Time - Farsley Celtic 1-4 York City
Attendance - 1,603
Farsley Celtic: Morgan; Downes, Crossley, Serrant, Pearson (McNiven 83); Watson (Whitman 61), Iqbal, Billy, Stamer (Grant 73); Bambrook, Reeves. Substitutes Not Used: Jackson, Allanson
York City: Evans; Craddock, Kelly, McGurk, Robinson; Brayson (Wroe 69), Elliott, Panther, Woolford (Farrell 64); Sodje (Brodie 86), McBreen. Substitutes Not Used: Mimms, Parslow
it might be an idea to clarify the date of the match, especially as york have played again between when this game occured and the article was published
Few problems with getting this first article online - so it was a few days late. Report from the Havant & Waterlooville defeat should be on very soon.
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