TWO goals conceded from corners condemned York City to a 2-1 defeat in their opening pre-season friendly at Frickley Athletic last night.

Billy McEwan's men went closest to breaking the first-half deadlock when striker Clayton Donaldson headed against the bar after a persistent run and excellent cross from impressive left-back Nathan Peat.

But Frickley forged ahead within a minute of the restart when captain Steve Kennedy's free header from a Calum Selby corner could only be helped into the top corner by City 'keeper Chris Porter.

City got back on level terms when Darren Dunning's deep free-kick was headed into the roof of the net by Mark Hotte at the far post.

More poor marking from a corner, however, cost the Minstermen when Andy Evans flicked on another Selby flag kick and Richard Tracey headed in on 81 minutes.

Teenage midfielder Byron Webster was left out of last night's squad as a precautionary measure because of a twinge in his hamstring while the transfer-listed Paul Robinson was not risked as he was due to start training with a Football League club today with the view to a permanent move.

York City: Porter, Law (Staley 81), Hotte, Dudgeon (Merris 76), Peat, Convery, Dunning, Yalcin, Stewart (Ekoku 54), Donaldson (Pounder 78), O'Neill (Mallon 81). Attendance: 279.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, July 20, 2005