York City’s dream of promotion moves a step nearer (From York Press)

York City face Wembley double

8:00am Tuesday 8th May 2012 in News By Dan Bean , dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

YORK City are just one win away from a return to the Football League after a tense 1-0 play-off semi-final victory over Mansfield yesterday.

Matty Blair headed York in front with just nine minutes of extra time remaining to send the 1,500 travelling City fans into raptures of delight.

The result means City will now be playing at Wembley on successive weekends, first in the FA Trophy Final this Saturday against Newport and then on Sunday, May 20, against Luton Town in the play-off final for the prize of a return to the Football League.

Sophie Hicks, York City’s communications and community director, said: “It was absolutely amazing. We’re just a team that never gives up. We’re just really proud of everybody, and very, very proud to be from York.”

Travelling City fan Matthew White, from New Earswick, said: “No one gave an inch. Mansfield were very physical, whereas our players tried to play it on the ground.

“I was watching through my fingers. It was amazing. I’m going to both Wembley matches now. It means I won’t eat for a week, but I’m going.”

Chris Coxon, from Dringhouses, said: “When it got to extra time, I was thinking ‘how am I going to get through this extra half hour’, but it was just awesome.”

Jason McGill, club chairman, said: “It’s been a long time coming, but a change is going to come. It’s absolutely fantastic. There wasn’t much between the two teams. I can’t say how proud I am of the team and the supporters.”

York travels to Wembley this Saturday to take on Newport in the final of the FA Trophy.