Tonika’s write on

The ten-year-old York City supporter, of New Earswick, is the winner of our Young Sports Writer of the Year award, which is backed by the Minstermen and local employer CPP.

Tonika entered the competition by writing a match report on the club’s Blue Square Premier fixture with Eastbourne at Bootham Crescent on February 27.

Her report, which is printed right, was judged to be the pick of a host of quality entries from budding journalists of all ages.

The youngster’s prize is a laptop courtesy of CPP and a VIP day at Bootham Crescent.

The day will include a tour behind the scenes and a chance to meet the players, a VIP seat in the press box alongside The Press’ York City reporter Dave Flett and the opportunity for Tonika to have her story published in The Press. She will be attending the club’s clash with Tamworth today, and her match report will appear in next week’s Park Life.

Stephen Kennedy, CPP’s managing director, said: “We were delighted to work with York City and The Press on the Young Sports Writer competition for the second year running.

“The entries we received were of a high standard, so well done to everyone who entered. There has to be one winner though, so congratulations to Tonika on her excellent match report.”

Paula Stainton, York City community co-ordinator, said: “It was fantastic to be once again involved in this season’s competition. It was great to see so many talented young writers entering the competition and congratulations to our winner, Tonika. We hope she enjoys her VIP day at York City.”

Tonika Greaves’ winning report on York City’s Blue Square Premier game against Eastbourne:

A CLASSY solo goal by Eastbourne’s Liam Enver-Marum meant York City suffered their first home defeat this season.

York had the first shot on goal, when from a whipping cross, the ball came to Alex Lawless but his shot went well over the crossbar.

The game was pretty even as Lawless had a clear pitch in front of him with Michael Rankine in a good position, but he pulled up with a hamstring injury which was serious enough for him to be substituted by Adam Smith.

A chance then came for Eastbourne when a good cross from Joe Benjamin found Jamie Taylor, but his header went straight into the hands of Michael Ingham.

It was still goalless at half-time and York hadn’t scored the early goal that Martin Foyle had said they needed in his pre-match comments. The longer the game, the more desperate City became.

Two minutes after half-time Michael Gash had a shot from Adam Smith’s cross but it flew wide.

Gash made way for substitute Richard Pacquette in the 58th minute and the City fans were hoping he would be wearing his scoring boots.

Just ten minutes later, however, Enver-Marum out-muscled Luke Graham and David McGurk to calmly place a shot which squeezed past Ingham and into the net.

Foyle brought on Kevin Gall for Daniel Parslow as City launched a last ditch attack on the Eastbourne goal. Two corners were won in quick succession as York pushed for an equaliser.

Five minutes of stoppage time were played and although Pacquette went close a couple of times, City didn’t really look like scoring.

Eastbourne’s victory was only their third away this season and York will be hoping Richard Brodie’s return next week will, with any luck, get them back to winning ways.