A STOPPAGE time equaliser from Paddy McLaughlin saw York City claim a 1-1 draw against FC Halifax Town.

In the Vanarama National League’s late kick-off, York mounted a late comeback and scored another late goal to spoil Halifax’s trip to the LNER Community Stadium, seeing the spoils shared in the Yorkshire derby.

Florent Hoti had put Halifax ahead with a fantastic strike from 25-yards out, rooting debutant George Sykes-Kenworthy to the spot as his effort nestled into the top corner.

But York did manage a late point after Lenell John-Lewis and Scott Burgess led a City attack, before McLaughlin prodded the ball past an outstretched Sam Johnson.

Halifax had won their last four consecutive National League matches prior to playing the Minstermen, and found themselves occupying a play-off position ahead of November.

York on the other hand have fallen into the relegation zone after only managing a point, but are level on points with AFC Fylde in 20th.

City completed the signing of goalkeeper Sykes-Kenworthy for an undisclosed fee from Bradford (Park Avenue) in midweek, and he was thrown straight into the mix of Rory Watson after conceding four to Chesterfield.

A fellow debutant was midfielder Olly Green, who was named in the starting eleven after completing his one-month loan switch from Hull City, replacing Olly Dyson.

Ardley also opted to replace Scott Burgess with Barnsley loanee Aiden Marsh, after Marsh and Will Smith had extended their loan deals earlier in the week.

Mitch Hancox also made his first appearance of the season, albeit from the bench, replacing Green in the 78th minute to a standing ovation from the supporters.

Dipo Akinyemi remains absent from the squad after picking up a knock in the Emirates FA Cup victory over Needham Market, but David Stockdale was spotted in the warm-ups ahead as he continues to make progress on a long-term injury.

The two new boys were being thrown into the deep end for their first matches, but both looked to make immediate impressions.

Green and Alex Woodyard quickly established the tempo of the match, making crucial challenges in the middle of the park which riled up supporters.

Tyler Cordner prevented Sykes-Kenworthy from having to make a first save, making an impressive last-ditch challenge to deny Aaron Cosgrave from breaking through.

City mounted pressure of their own, after Kai Kennedy retrieved possession from a broken down attack before finding Ryan Fallowfield. The right-back’s cross was met by the head of Lenell John-Lewis, but Sam Johnson was able to smother his header.

York looked to pounce from a corner with Callum Howe’s initial effort being deflected away from goal, but Cornder’s looping follow-up fell narrowly onto the wrong side of the crossbar.

Millenic Alli was a thorn in City’s side last season at the LNER Community Stadium, and stung the gloves of Sykes-Kenworthy with a long-ranged effort.

Kane Thompson-Sommers was next to test the new York shot-stopper, but again Sykes-Kenworthy was on hand to deal with a low driven strike, with the scores level at the break.

Despite a relatively even first half that lacked chances, the second forty-five began with an immediate gaol for the visitors to open the scoreline, and in some style.

Former Kosovan under-21 international Hoti took aim from 25-yards out and struck a powerful effort which nestled into Sykes-Kenworthy’s top left corner, handing Halifax the lead.

The Minstermen looked to respond to the setback through their captain John-Lewis, receiving possession from debutant Green on the edge of the box, but the striker could only flash his half-volleyed effort narrowly wide of the target.

Marsh would be substituted off on the hour mark, but had one final choice before the switch, forcing Johnson to parry his effort wide from a tight angle.

The visitors were eager to double their advantage and came closest through Cosgrave, who latched onto Alli’s pass as close-rage, but could only curl a strike over the bar.

City had relentless pressure on the Shaymen’s back line and had the momentum with 20 minutes remaining, as Quevin Castro tested Johnson with dipping free-kick that the Halifax goalkeeper was equal to.

Scott Burgess then saw his header from the resulting corner smothered by Johnson, before Smith weaved his way into the Halifax area, only to see his low cross turned wide by John-Lewis thanks to a deflection.

York showed off a few corner routines they had been working on in training, but came closest through a Callum Howe strike on the edge of the area, which was comfortable held by Johnson.

Burgess looked to have his impact off of the bench when meeting Castro’s pass, but agonisingly a last-ditch challenge from Adam Senior denied the midfielder a one-on-one with Johnson.

But after so much pressure and City pushing the Halifax defence, they grabbed their late equaliser with just minutes remaining.

An attack led by John-Lewis saw the forward drag the ball back to Burgess, who sliced his strike into the path of McLaughlin to poke the ball past a helpless Johnson, earning the Minstermen a point in the Yorkshire derby.

York now find themselves in 22nd position on 16 points after 18 matches, and turn their attention to Chester and the Emirates FA Cup next Saturday, November 4 (3pm).

York City: Sykes-Kenworthy 7, Fallowfield 6, Howe 6, Cordner 7, Smith 7, McLaughlin 8, Woodyard 7, Green 8 (Hancox, 78), Marsh 6 (Castro 7, 61), John-Lewis 7, Kennedy 6 (Burgess 7, 61)

Subs not used: Dyson, Watson

Goals: McLaughlin (90+3)

Yellow cards: Fallowfield (81)

Halifax Town: Johnson, Keane, Senior, Stott, Hunter, Galvin, Hoti, Thompson-Sommers, Alli, Cosgrave (Oluwabori, 72), Wright (Golden, 66)

Subs: Chikukwa, Wilson, Iwobi

Goals: Hoti (49)

Yellow cards: Thompson-Sommers (69)

York’s star man: Olly Green. A commanding performance from the young midfielder who looked comfortable with the ball, was quick with his feet and produced some threatening set-pieces.

Referee: Stephen Parkinson

Attendance: 4740 (617)

Shots (on target): 4 (5) | 2 (6)

Corners: 4 | 2

Offsides: 5 | 5

Fouls committed: 15 | 5