Reporter Bill Marshall looks at the Press sporting headlines from this week in 1996...

THERE was no lack of excitement 20 years ago as far as York sport was concerned.

Pride of place on a rich weekend went to York City, who toppled Division Two leaders Swindon Town 2-0 at Bootham Crescent.

The visitors had players of notable pedigree, such as Welsh international Paul Bodin, Wayne Allison and Fraser Digby, and York must have been fearing the worst when Paul Barnes missed a penalty before half-time.

However, inspired by Steve Bushell, Adrian Randall, Barnes and the recalled Glenn Taylor, York took the lead with a Kenny Dalglish-like finish by Naylor in the 59th minute and, after two great saves by Digby, sealed victory with an Andy McMillan goal five minutes from time – only his fourth goal in 290 league matches up to that point.

York, who were accusing former assistant coach Peter Astbury of trying to lure players to Dewsbury, drew 16-16 with Widnes, courtesy of a Gareth Fry penalty two minutes from time.

But the hard-luck story belonged to National Conference League Heworth, who lost to Bramley at Kirkstall in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup.

Three Tony Carr penalties had put Heworth 6-0 in front and they needed a Charlie Adie try and Carr goal to go back in front at 12-6.

Brendan Carlyle's 71st-minute try and Chris Hammerton's goal put the plucky amateurs 18-16 ahead but they were denied a famous victory by a late Tony Fella try.

Vincenzo Nardiello paid Henry Wharton a big compliment after the York man had retained his European super-middleweight championship at Halifax by stopping the Italian in the sixth round due to a cut eye.

"He's better than Nigel Benn", said Nardiello, who had put Wharton on the canvas in the third round.

Selby Town were still harbouring hopes of glory themselves after drawing 1-1 at Flaxley Road in a second replay in the fourth round of the FA Vase. The first match had ended in a 0-0 draw.

Meanwhile, clubs in the York & District Senior Cricket League wanted Dunnington investigating for possible illegal payments to players, with Dunnington's chairman Colin Graves (now ECB chairman) issuing a strenuous denial.