York City's FA Youth Cup yomp through history is on a par with the FA Cup semi-finals.

Dramatic end: York City's goalscoring hero Christian Fox, right, is shown the red card against West Ham at Bootham Crescent after giving away a penalty with his last minute handball, as skipper Peter Batchelor looks on

But disappointment turns to joy when City goalkeeper John Mohan goes down to save the spot kick to keep his team in the FA Youth Cup. Pictures: Steven Bradshaw

That heady comparison was made by City's head of youth development Adie Shaw after last night's epic 1-1 fifth round draw between the Minster mites and their West Ham visitors to Bootham Crescent.

City's defiant young lions not only had to counter from a first-half deficit, but, after equalising in the last minutes, then suffered the dismissal of goal hero Christian Fox for a handball offence that led to a penalty. But well into stoppage time City goalkeeper John Mohan completed an excellent save to maintain the cup run and another battle.

The draw also sends City to Upton Park in the replay in which the visitors will create history. The Hammers' compact ground is the only base in the Premiership or Nationwide League at which City have never appeared.

Shaw revelled in the character shown by his young charges and likened last night's display to the tingle he enjoyed during his previous club Chesterfield's giant-killing run to the FA Cup semi-finals two seasons ago.

"I was involved with Chesterfield's coaching staff when the first team got to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I would put the run of this York City team on a par with that. You get a certain buzz," enthused Shaw.

"Games like this against opposition like West Ham, who are the favourites to win the trophy, have gradually given our lads an increased sense of self-belief.

"I asked them to give us their best and to work hard and I could not have demanded any more.

"Now we will go down to West Ham, still as underdogs, but knowing that they will be worried about us."

Shaw was also delighted City's youngsters had dedicated their efforts to sacked manager Alan Little.

The outgoing manager had wished the youth team good luck before the tie, which he attended as a fan. Shaw revealed: "The lads said 'let's do it for the gaffer'.

"After all Alan Little has given them their chance, so it was nice to hear that from them."

City's goal star Fox - he crashed home an unstoppable 30-yard leveller four minutes from time - will be suspended for three matches after his dismissal for deliberate handball. But it is hoped the gutsy right-back will be available for the replay at Upton Park which takes place next Tuesday.

Of his goal he recalled: "When the ball came across I thought it was going to take a bobble, so I just cracked it.

"The team spirit in the team is tremendous and I can't see why we cannot go and get a decent result at West Ham."

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