CITY of York Hockey Club’s Under-18s boys have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the National Plate competition.

City won 3-2 at Southport in the last 16 and they will now travel to Neston South Wirral with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.

City started slowly and could have been two or three goals down but for some strong defending from James Greenall and Joe Ball.

Midway through the first half, the home side gained possession in York’s half and took the lead.

York responded with forwards Matt Hays, Eddie Craven, Jack Feasby and Harry Heyes slicing open the Southport defence, but the finishing touch was lacking.

After stern words from coach Simon Wilson at halftime, York came out strongly in the second half.

Within 30 seconds of the restart, great team play saw Hays finish into an empty net.

A few minutes later, York broke through again with Dan Ellwood touching the ball over the line.

Southport fought back to equalise, but just as the game seemed to be heading for penalty flicks man of the match Dan Ellwood swung a stick at a loose ball and it curled into the top corner.

Southport launched one more attack, but were denied by ’keeper Nathan Wilson.