Wycombe, on the other hand, were ruthless as they took their
three best chances. It was the visitors who settled quickest, not surprising
considering they were a League One side last year. York was a bit jittery at
first. The hosts settled, and were dealing with Wanderers’ long-ball tactics
well. In the lead up to the first goal City may even have had the upper hand,
but then Matt Bloomfield made it 1-0. Bearing down on goal, Bloomfield tried to
place a shot low to Michael Ingham’s right only for the shot to take a
deflection and nestle into the opposite corner.
The subsequent period was York’s
best. Paddy McLaughlin came close with a self-set-up and shot from just outside
the box, as did Jason Walker with an audacious flying kick from inside the box.
Both efforts went just beyond the far post. It was against the run of play,
then, that Wycombe made it two as Sam Wood’s looping effort from 30 yards
caught Ingham off his line and found its way just under the crossbar.
2-0 at half-time flattered Wycombe. But in the second half
they showed their experience by smothering York’s attempts at a comeback. The
Minstermen were playing a hectic game and as time passed by it became harder
and harder to sustain. Wycombe were solid in defence and York, with no shortage
of effort, were never within reach of levelling the game. In reality, it was
game over before the hour as Stuart Beavon scored from close range. Ingham was
incensed with the linesman (and received a yellow card for his troubles),
having presumably expected an offside flag.
But the loyal City fans were
rewarded a minute later as Walker made it 3-1. A cross from the left wing was
met by the rising Jonathan Smith at the back post. He headed across goal and
Walker, less than two yards out and facing away from Smith, knew little of it
as the ball struck him in the behind and dribbled into the net. The goal
prompted City’s second spell of dominance, but again chances could not be
transformed into goals. Parslow’s curling effort from 20 yards, forcing the
Wycombe keeper to palm over, was the best York could muster. The last ten to
fifteen minutes were somewhat of a damp squib as York, out of ideas, accepted
their fate against a stronger Wycombe.
There were positives for York, particularly the two spells
of domination were they were stringing together some lovely passing football
and creating a few chances. However York was not ruthless enough in front of
goal, in contrast to Wycombe who took all their decent chances. They were also
lacking on the physical side of things. There was no stand-out performer, but
also no major flops. Even the defence actually appeared solid despite conceding
three goals. If York can play like this, but find a cutting edge in front of
goal, their prospects for the season will improve dramatically.
Ingham, 6, could have done better with second goal but
otherwise commanding as usual.
C Smith, 6, did little wrong in the game
Parslow, 7, composed on the ball and a rock in defence
Fyfield, 6, usual mix of brilliance but with a few silly
errors
Doig, 7, not at fault for any goals and provided a presence
at the back
Bullock, 5, struggled to get into the game before being
replaced
(Blair - 56'), 5, not as lively down the wing as hoped when
he came on
Smith, 7, broke up play well and contributed going forward
McLaughlin, 6, a few strong runs and decent distribution in
midfield
(Potts - 56'), 5, as York chased the game he couldn’t get
going
Walker, 7, right place right time for goal, could have put
himself about more
Chambers, 6, lively runs but didn't quite come off for him
on the day
Coulson, 6, contributed to the attack but lacked cutting
edge
(McReady - 69'), 5, the few times he got on the ball
struggled to make it count
italics indicates Man of the Match
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