SHAKING off the rust from a lengthy winter break, York Schoolboys under-13s footballers racked up a 4-1 win in a friendly at Hambleton & Richmond.

On a testing surface, York started brightly with Dom Jackson missing a good chance following good work from the midfield.

However, the first goal was not long in coming when Charlie Ward sent a defence-splitting pass through to Charlie Jebson King, who slotted the ball past the advancing Hambleton goalkeeper on seven minutes.

York continued to create further chances but found the finishing touch elusive to increase their lead.

Hosts Hambleton grew in confidence and, after asserting a spell of command in midfield, seized on a defensive mix-up to level via an own goal.

York were now on the back foot and only a fine save from York keeper Harry Griffiths kept the scores level.

It was the spur that York needed.

Good work from Lucas Wilson released Rob Guilfoyle, who forced a corner.

The flag-kick was fired home by the predatory Jackson at the second attempt.

Shortly after, striker Guilfoyle used his strength to bundle past a Hambleton marker and hit the net for a 3-1 advantage just before half-time.

Within seconds of the re-start York came close to making it four when Joe Crosby intercepted to feed Guilfoyle, whose drive went fractionally over the crossbar.

As in the first half, York made a strong start to the second period, but wayward shooting and several fine saves prevented the margin of goals widening.

The best was saved for last with the fourth and final strike starting with keeper Griffiths before ending in the Hambleton net.

The keeper’s quick distribution initiated a fluent passing move that ended with a Jackson shot being pushed out by the keeper only for Charlie Buckle to seize on the rebound and force the ball over the line to round off the win.

Said U13s manager Andy Crosby: “This was not our best performance of the season and we looked a little rusty following a long break, while Hambleton provided a sterner test than we probably expected.

“But it was a good result and even when we are not playing well we seem to be able to force a win which is a credit to the lads and shows a lot of character."