A LAST-GASP strike from Ryan Fallowfield handed York City a crucial three points on the road against Woking.

A 98th minute winner handed Neal Ardley his second victory as York manager, with City being the TNT Sports TV pick for the weekend in the early kick-off in Surrey.

It will be a result that Ardley and City will be very proud of against a Woking side that have started the season strongly, being unbeaten in their six matches prior to the York fixture and occupying a play-off place.

York took the lead early into the contest, but first had to survive a huge chance for Padraig Amond, who could only strike against the post after breaking the offside trap.

Lenell John-Lewis put the Minstermen ahead with a long-ranged effort that deflected kindly in order to beat the Woking goalkeeper.

Woking did equalise early into the second half in controversial fashion, with Ricky Korboa tucking the ball home from close-range and appearing to be stood in an offside position, but the referee saw no issue and allowed the goal to stand.

City would have their revenge in the dying moments of the game, with Fallowfield latching onto a loose ball in the box to hand Ardley’s side a pivotal three points in the early stages of the season.

Ardley opted to make two changes from the York side that fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Oldham Athletic in midweek, with Alex Woodyard and Callum Howe being re-introduced into the starting eleven.

The City boss strangely only included four players on his substitutions bench, including goalkeeper Rory Watson, as well as new signing Aidan Marsh, who joined the club on loan from Barnsley on Friday.

City did start the match the better, with Zanda Siziba nearly finding an opening before a fantastic challenge by Dan Moss, before Dipo Akinyemi headed narrowly wide of the target from Maziar Kouhyar’s cross.

York nearly found their opening after a lovely move allowed Akinyemi to break through on goal, but the linesman ruled the striker for offside.

And it was a similar situation not long later, but this time in Woking’s favour, as Padraig Amond appeared to break the offside line and raced one-on-one with Ryan Whitley, only to curl his strike against the far post.

Amond and Woking would go on to regret their wasted opportunity, as York took the lead just minutes later.

Captain John-Lewis latched onto the loose ball and struck goalwards from distance, before a fortunate deflection saw the strike kindly loop over Will Jaaskelainen and into the back of the net.

York looked to add a second in quick succession as Akineymi raced in behind, but was denied by Jaaskelainen from a tight angle.

Maziar Kouhyar also had a chance from close-range after a teasing cross from Ryan Fallowfield, but the winger’s strike was bravely blocked by Scott Cuthbert.

With time running out in the first-half, City had a penalty shout dismissed by the referee, after Fallowfield appeared to be recklessly upheaved off of the ball, but the referee deemed it not foul worthy.

Heading into the second half, Woking were quick to respond, drawing the scores level through another controversial refereeing decision.

After losing possession, Woking prevailed and worked the ball into the box, before Korboa was on hand to tuck the ball home despite appearing to be stood in an offside position.

City looked for an immediate response and were once again just lacking that clinical touch, as John-Lewis’ deep cross had too much on it for Akinyemi to reach.

In the 65th minute, York supporters showed their respect for supporter Dave ‘Dickie’ Barton, who sadly passed away recently. A fitting tribute for a fantastic man who will be missed throughout the club.

John-Lewis came unbearably close to giving City back their lead, attacking a Kouhyar cross and powering his header against the crossbar, before Jaaskelianen made a brilliant stop to deny Dan Batty on the follow-up.

Woking would feel the same level of frustration just minutes later, with Korboa searching for his second of the afternoon, but being denied by the underside of the woodwork after a venomous effort from the edge of the area.

Moss also looked to net his first goal of the season, but could only curl a strike over Whitley’s crossbar.

Korboa then went close with a header, before Josh Casey had a dangerous cross well-dealt with by Whitley, as the Minstermen sustained some heavy pressure.

Marsh had replaced Kouhyar and looked to have an immediate impact on his debut, hammering a strike narrowly wide of the target.

And with 98 minutes on the clock, York put an end to Woking’s six match unbeaten run, as the Minstermen snatched it at the death.

Thierry Latty-Fairweather did well to drag the ball back from the byline to find fellow substitute Paddy McLaughlin, whose strike struck the crossbar to City’s anguish, before Fallowfield raced in at the back post to poke the ball home and to secure Ardley his and the club’s second victory of the National League season.

Woking: Jaaskelainen, Moss, Cuthbert, Bradshaw, Wilkinson (Odusina, 90+2), Casey, Anderson (Taylor, 76), Kellermann, Robinson (Willmott, 74), Korboa, Amond

Subs: Andre

Goal: Korboa (58)

Yellow cards: Anderson (68)

York City: Whitley 7, Fallowfield 8, Cordner 6, Howe 7, Crookes 6 (Latty-Fairweather 6, 65), Kouhyar 6 (Marsh 7, 78), Batty 7, Woodyard 8, Siziba 6 (McLaughlin 6, 70), Akinyemi 7, John-Lewis 7

Subs not used: Watson

Goals: John-Lewis (24), Fallowfield (90+8)

Yellow cards: Fallowfield (67), McLaughlin (78)

York’s star man: Ryan Fallowfield. A fantastic performance from the defender who looked composed on the ball and solid at the back. Also scored that 98th minute winner.

Attendance: 2806 (307)

Shots (on target): 8 (2) | 4 (4)

Corners: 3 | 1

Offsides: 2 | 3

Fouls committed: 8 | 12