CITIZENS’ LONG SHOTS PAY OFF
TWO goals in the space of two firsthalf minutes helped York City sweep aside National League Stockport at a bouncing Bootham Crescent.
Alex Kempster’s 28th-minute effort put Steve Watson’s men on course for a cup shock and once Sean Newton doubled the advantage with a beauty on the half-hour mark, the Minstermen had a lead that they never looked likely to relinquish.
“I can imagine it was a good game to watch, chances for both sides, but we got the breakthrough,” Watson beamed.
“I was really pleased with some of the football, that’s some of the best we’ve played this season.
“If we can take that forward, I do think we can step it up again, hopefully in the league.”
This was a tie that had an old-fashioned ring to it, two famous ex-League teams at a grand old ground. Indeed, depending on how the draw goes, it may be the last FA Cup game at Bootham Crescent – if so, they certainly signed off in style.
Dan Maguire started brightly for the home side. First he left Ash Palmer for dead but fired over, then he set Callum Griffiths who also fired over left footed.
Then, just before the half-hour, Kempster was afforded too much room on the right and his wicked cross-shot eluded everyone and found it’s way into the back of the County net.
Another long-range effort and another longrange goal only minutes later. This time Newton was invited to shoot, he accepted and his left-footed drive took a deflection and wrong-footed County keeper Ben Hinchliffe.
Palmer nearly pulled one back for the visitors just before half-time, but Peter Jameson saved well after a free-kick routine.
Prior to the two goals, Stockport had a strong penalty appeal turned down after the ball appeared to have struck a York hand in the penalty area. Referee Daniel Middleton turned down the appeals much to the frustration of County boss Jim Gannon.
“It was clearly his hands up,” Gannon said. “We had some really good chances and I don’t know how the ball didn’t end up in the net. We were disappointed to come in at half-time without a goal. I’m disappointed with the two goals – they could have been avoided.”
Kempster smashed an effort against the bar for York while, at the other end, Nyal Bell managed to head Paul Turnbull’s free-kick over the bar from close range.
County finished the match with ten men after Joe Leesley saw red for a challenge on Griffiths.