City of York travelled to Cumbria to play Glaxo (Barrow-in-Furness) in the preliminary round of the EHA Trophy and returned with a 2-1 win.

The underdog home team packed their defence, relying on long hits up-field to isolated strikers. Despite forcing many short corners, City could not penetrate the defence until late in the first half when Phil Clark drove home a short corner strike.

After the break the game followed the same pattern, but Glaxo struck lucky with one of their long balls and their striker scored with a reverse stick shot.

But ten minutes from the end Clark scored his second goal from another short corner routine to take York through to the first round where their opponents will be Sheffield.

The previous day City of York went down 3-1 at Hull with a side weakened through injuries and absences.

During the first half City were able to create few chances against a solid defence. Mike Thornicroft missed a flick which could have given York a breakthrough, while Hull seized every opportunity to counter-attack.

It was from one of these that Hull scored the first of their three goals before half-time.

In the second half, City of York played much better and pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with Thornicroft making no mistake.

City of York II had an easy run-out against Stockton III and were on top right from the start. A superb strike from Colin Moore put them on their way and this was followed soon after by a goal from Sam Blackburn. With a two-goal lead and little pressure from the opposition, City of York became casual, but after the interval the attitude changed.

The team, made up mostly of players from last season's third team, began to play with more urgency and the ball was moved around with greater fluency and frequent scoring came as a result.

Sam Blackburn made it 3-0 before Stockton replied, but Colin Moore (3), Alex Fletcher (2) and Chris Wilson added to the tally. Although not among the scorers, Jim Mackay put in a good performance for City.

City of York III included several newcomers to the club for their game against Hull III - and they all made an impact as eight goals were shared.

In the early stages City were the more effective side and two goals by newcomer Ben Dutton put them in the driving seat. At this stage City of York dominated the midfield with John Armstrong being most effective in his tackling and distribution.

Hull replied but Dutton restored the two-goal advantage and recorded a hat-trick on his first appearance.

Hull narrowed the score to 3-2 before half-time and after the interval came back into the game with a vengeance.

Hull equalised then Pat Birch put the home side ahead again only for Hull to level the score at 4-4 just before the end.

Sam Moore, making his first appearance at this level, was very effective as central defender/sweeper and marked Hull's tricky striker in a cool manner.

City of York IV had their game against Stockton IV cancelled, but City of York V followed the thirds on to the new Huntington School pitch for their game against Old Malton.

It took a few minutes for the team to settle, with unfamiliar faces having to get used to each other. As they got into their rhythm City worked the ball well from the back and played effective routines.

Richard Tanner-Smith scored twice and Tim Downie once before half-time, with Old Malton having a goal disallowed.

In the second half Downie scored his second, the open-play style and committed team effort from the first half being maintained so that City of York ran out comfortable winners 4-0.

The first 15 minutes of City of York VI's game at Hull was a scrappy affair, but once the cobwebs had been blown away City took control and went on to win 4-2.

A shot from Ivan Dukic was deflected home by Oliver Scully to put York ahead, but Hull then took over the initiative and dominated the remainder of the half to lead 2-1.

After the break City began to play more cohesively and put themselves back on level terms with a well-taken goal by Scully. From this point on Hull could make only occasional breakaway attempts as City applied pressure.

An individual effort by Luke Ramli with a shot from the top of the circle put City in the lead, and Scully's hat-trick goal sealed the victory. York's youngsters all played well, with Andrew Pooley outstanding.

All members are reminded about training at Huntington on Tuesday (juniors 7pm to 8pm, seniors 8pm to 9pm) and about the club presentation evening on Friday at Elmpark Way, at 7.30pm. All members are urged to attend.

Women on target

York Women's Hockey Club beat Kirby Stephen 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at York University with goals from Paula Clough and Kate Rorrison.

Danby beat an improved Ryedale side 2-0 in the Costcutter Women's League.

It was a good display by Ryedale, who were hammered 9-0 by the same opposition in the final match of last season.

Lisa Young and Gill Williams, two of Ryedale's five new players, were outstanding in defence.

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