NIGEL EYES PUSH FOR PLAY-OFFS
YORK boss Nigel Worthington refused to rule out a late challenge for the top seven, as they extended their unbeaten run to five games with victory over Exeter.
Goals from John McCombe and Michael Coulson ensured Worthington’s men are just seven points off seventh placed Southend, with the York boss insisting it is not impossible, but also reiterating that the magical 50 point target for survival is the primary aim.
“We’re looking to catch up on the play-off situation and gain points there,” he said.
“From Christmas until now we’ve had a good run and we must stay on it, we must do what we’re capable of and not stray away from it.
“We’re closing in on the 50/51 points that we need for league football. Once we hit that target we will move to the next one.
“We worked very, very hard for the three points, perhaps it’s the hardest we’ve had to work to help us get over the line.
“The first 20 minutes from the team was great,. But after 25 minutes we were untidy and scrappy as we took
”our foot off the pedal.” The home side started the brighter from the first whistle, and after some early chances passing them by, they finally got their reward in the 17th minute.
Adam Reed’s dangerous corner evaded the attention of Artur Krysiak, and centre-half John McCombe leapt highest to nod the ball home.
The Minstermen were in com- plete control, and a set piece was once again the undoing of Exeter as York doubled their lead.
An excellent touch from Coulson freed him in the box, before he coolly fired home with style.
However, Exeter hit back immediately, as Scot Bennett turned home Jimmy Keohane’s corner. From nowhere, the Grecians were right back in it.
The second period was all Exeter but, despite John O’Flynn striking the post late on after being put through on goal, it finished 2-1.
Exeter boss Paul Tisdale was left to lament another slow start from his side that proved costly.
“Over the course of 90 minutes there was plenty of good stuff. But the reality of it is the first 25 minutes was way from being good enough,” he said.
“We didn’t get out of our half, and when that happens you run the risk of goals going in.
“They won the game in that period; and in the second-half it would be hard to fault us.
“We were chasing the game and weren’t quite composed enough to put the ball in the net.
“We lost the game in the first 25 minutes. As a team we weren’t purposeful and energetic enough and you can’t afford to be like that
at a team going well.”