TWO late goals denied City of York Hockey Club men’s first XI a winning start to the North Hockey League division one campaign.

York led 3-1 heading into the latter stages of their opening fixture at City of Manchester, but the hosts hit back to draw 3-3.

City of York failed to match the pace and aggression of the home side and went behind on ten minutes.

The equaliser came from a short corner courtesy of Rich Cockram and City of York then took the lead.

Debutant Jack Purriman showed superb skill to control a pass from Steve Paterson and slot the ball past the ’keeper.

Goalkeeper John Chappell and the frame of his goal kept the visitors in front for a 30-minute period either side of half-time.

York extended their lead when Alex Cockram scored from a short corner early in the second half.

Indiscipline from both sides saw five players carded and eventually Manchester’s pressure saw them score twice from short corners.

York host Newcastle University in their opening home game at Energise on Saturday, at 1.30pm.

City of York II went down 2-0 to York III in the opening game of the Yorkshire League division one campaign with Paul Wicker and Pat Herriott on target.

City of York IV drew 1-1 at home to Halifax II in division three.

City of York V and VI clashed on day one of the division five north season, with the fifths claiming a 2-0 victory.

The sides were level at the break due to stubborn defence and excellent saves by York VI ’keeper Dave Horn. But two second-half goals from Matt Todd sealed the win.

In the same division, City of York VII won 4-1 at Huddersfield IV.

Luke Doran opened the scoring and, despite Huddersfield levelling, Doran restored the lead before half-time.

York dominated the second half with further goals from Rory Ainslie and Matt Andrews.

City of York Badgers drew 4-4 with Bradford as several youngsters made eye-catching debuts.

York started brightly but were thwarted by the Bradford ’keeper and the West Yorkshire side were 1-0 up at the break.

Bradford went 3-0 up before York came to life with two goals apiece for Phil Worrall and Matt Hays, only for Bradford equalise late in the game.

Jack Feasby, Tom Andrew and Theo Ainslie impressed on their debuts.