YORK City picked up their first point of the season against Altrincham, despite leading against the Robins on two occasions.

A second goal of the season for striker Dipo Akinyemi alongside a first goal for Callum Harriott, on his first start, saw York held to a 2-2 draw with Altrincham in the Vanarama National League.

In the first round of midweek fixtures of the season, City’s search for their first victory frustratingly continues, along with an unwanted record against Altrincham.

York haven’t defeated Altrincham on home soil in 13 years, since 2010, and haven’t picked up three points against the Robins in their last seven matches, seeing Phil Parkinson’s side become something of a bogey team for the Minstermen.

And whilst Michael Morton’s team continue to look for their first win of the season, there were improvements from Saturday’s bleak 1-0 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers.

This could be something to do with Morton’s decision to change formation, reverting back to the 4-3-3 that was used regularly throughout pre-season, and the same formation that saw York pick up positive results against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Doncaster Rovers.

An injury to Alex Woodyard in the build-up saw Paddy McLaughlin introduced to the starting eleven, whilst Dan Pybus also dropped out of the squad, meaning Mitch Hancox was involved in the first-team squad for the first time this season.

Olly Dyson was also brought back into the starting eleven, seeing McLaughlin slot into a more defensive role whilst Dyson and Quevin Castro were allowed to produce some creativity from the middle.

Callum Howe and Tyler Cordner were also given starts in the backline, which Morton will be pleased about after previously envisioning the duo having a strong partnership at centre-back.

Altrincham on the other hand started former York goalkeeper Ethan Ross in between the sticks, after Ross had a loan spell in North Yorkshire last season that was unfortunately hampered by concussions.

Ross was quickly involved early on when collecting a dangerous cross from Thierry Latty-Fairweather, before his opposing shot-stopper David Stockdale was equally as busy when smartly stealing the ball from Regan Linney after the striker broke towards goal.

Castro came close to breaking the deadlock from 25-yards, but Ross was on hand to parry the former West Bromwich Albion midfielder’s effort.

Ross would eventually be beaten, and it would be Akinyemi as the City forward doubled his tally for the season.

 A dangerous corner caused confusion amongst the Altrincham backline, before Cordner flicked the ball into the path of Akinyemi, who was free to volley the ball home from close-range.

The Minstermen established their dominance earl on as Akinyemi and Castro both forced smart saves from Ross, before Altrincham’s Eddy Jones tested Stockdale with a low free-kick.

Zanda Siziba is still hoping to find his first goal in City colours, and nearly opened his account with two long-ranged efforts that narrowly rose over the crossbar.

Altrincham began to grow into the match and utilise their key man, Chris Conn-Clarke. The former Fleetwood Town playmaker first had a strike force an exceptional stop from Stockdale, before unleashing a long-ranged effort that Stockdale was equal to.

Conn-Clarke was a clear threat, and City soon paid the price for not dealing with his expertise.

Altrincham were level after Lewis Banks threaded a perfect through ball into the path of Conn-Clarke, who showed composure to shift the ball onto his stronger foot before sliding past Stockdale.

But despite York being pegged back, they showed true City fashion to immediately reinstate their lead.

Akinyemi turned provider after breaking down the right and squaring into the path of Harriott, who got the ball out of his feet before curling his strike into the bottom right corner.

Heading into the second half, Altrincham quickly tried to level the scores again, with Conn-Clarke curling a free-kick over the crossbar, before Isaac Marriott and Banks forced Stockdale into back-to-back stops in quick succession.

Latty-Fairweather looked to add a third for the home side when breaking into the box, but his powerful effort was on the wrong side on the post and blossomed into Ross’ side netting.

Conn-Clarke was again causing problems, after receiving the ball on the right wing, before Stockdale made an impressive stop to palm his strike wide.

The Minstermen hadn’t looked the same in the second half, and Altrincham grabbed their equaliser in frustrating fashion.

Matty Kosylo, who had been substituted on just a minute earlier, raced onto a loose ball after Stockdale spilled the cross, to tap the ball home with his first touch of the ball.

McLaughlin and Castro both had chances to hand York their lead back, but both were unable to direct their efforts on target.

And as Sam Roscoe missed a golden opportunity with a free header, the referee brought an entertaining affair to an end, with the Minstermen having to settle for a single point.

York are back in action at the weekend, as Morton’s side travel down to Aldershot Town on Saturday, August 19 (3pm).

Attendance: 4334 (214)

Referee: Paul Marsden

York star man: Dipo Akinyemi. A goal and an assist, the striker looked dangerous throughout and was unlucky not to have more.

York City: Stockdale 7, Andoh 7, Cordner 6, Howe 6, Latty-Fairweather 6 (Hancox 6, 70), McLaughlin 6, Castro 7, Dyson 6 (John-Lewis, 82), Harriott 7, Akinyemi 8, Siziba 7 (Kouhyar 6, 75)

Subs not used: Campbell, John-Lewis

Goals: Akinyemi (10), Harriott (38)

Yellow card(s): Morton (11), McLaughlin (45), Latty-Fairweather (71), Castro (83), Harriott (90)

Altrincham: Ross, Banks, Baines (Kosylo, 64), J. Jones (Amaluzor, 64), J. Jones, E. Jones, Osborne, Marriott, Roscoe, Conn-Clarke, Linney (Angus, 74)

Subs not used: Cooper, Wilson

Goal(s): Conn-Clarke (37), Kosylo (66)

Yellow card(s): E. Jones (30), Conn-Clarke (34), Marriott (54)

Shots (on/off target): 4 (6) | 5 (8)

Fouls: 12 | 9

Offsides: 1 | 2

Corners: 3 | 4