The gallant Minstermen will be aiming for third time lucky against Oxford at Wembley as STEVE CARROLL reflects on the ill-fortune which so dogged City in the brace of league showdowns.


Oxford v York August 8, 2009


City’s first day blues at Oxford

TWO late goals gave Oxford United the luckiest of victories against York City on the opening day of the Blue Square Premier season.

Until the 88th minute at the Kassam Stadium, Michael Ingham had been required to make just one save, and City had taken a well-earned first-half lead through Richard Brodie.

The Geordie striker was put through with a clear run on Ryan Clarke’s goal after Alex Lawless’ through ball flat-footed the two Oxford centre-backs.

England ‘C’ international Brodie rounded the ’keeper, hit his first shot against a post before smacking his second chance into the roof of the net.

That looked like giving City a valuable three points but, with two minutes left, City skipper Daniel Parslow fell – gifting substitute Matt Green a clear run on goal which saw him convert his side’s first shot on target.

Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Ingham failed to punch cleanly in a crowded area and the ball cannoned off Green to centre-back Mark Creighton, who side-footed into an unguarded net.

York manager Martin Foyle said: “We had a devastated dressing room and I’m absolutely gutted to come away with nothing because the players worked so hard.

“I thought we played excellently and I can’t pull one player out for being below par. We were outstanding and there was some good quality football in our play.”


York v Uxford October 17, 2010


U’s turn-about foils Foyle men

OXFORD United took a point away from Bootham Crescent after scoring with their only shot on target.

Simon Clist’s close-range strike secured a 1-1 draw for the U’s after Michael Rankine, during an immense display, had given York a worthy lead.

Rankine’s industry caused Oxford centre-backs Mark Creighton and former City loanee Luke Foster countless problems and he scored his second goal of the season when netting on 71 minutes following a slick passing move.

His side-footed finish from seven yards, after a cross from midfielder Andy Ferrell, left ’keeper Ryan Clarke well beaten.

Oxford levelled when a ricochet off Daniel Parslow fell to Jack Midson and he crossed low from the right for Clist to tap-in.

And City’s misfortune was complete when defender James Meredith was sent off for a second bookable offence with seven minutes remaining.

Said Minstermen manager Martin Foyle: “I’m very disappointed not to win, but it was a fantastic spectacle for Conference football.

“We played some absolutely super stuff at the right times. They only had one shot, which you have to give credit to our defence for.”