Magpies stay out of reach

The 30 years flaw that is York City's home record against Notts County scratched out another tiresome tussle.

City striker Richard Cresswell, right, is closely watched by a Notts County opponent

Man was still three months away from landing on the moon the last time City ruffled the feathers of the Magpies at Bootham Crescent.

No earthly reason then to be in lunar orbit after Saturday's sub-standard set-to. But when the 1-1 draw ended a run of four consecutive defeats, at least parity was something to stash in the swag-bag.

And while not the desired maximum plunder, that single point may prove of inestimable worth should it restore greater confidence to the City camp.

There's no doubt the hosts had all the confidence of an acne-spotted, pathologically shy teenager on his first date with a Sun stunner. And in opposition, almost like playground bullies, stood a resolute County.

Defensively formidable, County also boasted a triple strength last line of skipper Ian Hendon, one-time Leeds ace Chris Fairclough and barndoor-shaped Ian Redmile. Three amigos all honed in defence of the 'no-one's allowed in here' muscularity.

City had the best of the opening possession, but apart from a fizzing Gordon Connelly centre and a low-slung cross-shot from Martin Garratt the hosts laboured due to passing that veered from frisky to risky.

Concentrating on unyielding defence to furrowed-brow level County's a attacking adventure hinged on scraps for their front two of Sean Farrell and Paul Devlin.

The 'F and D' diet almost bore fruit. Both combined to tee up a headed chance for County's impish ex-Scarborough playmaker Shaun Murray.

But right in front of the Shippo, where his last appearance drew derision, back-again Andy Warrington earned applause.

With the sort of decisive dash that is the trademark of his expertise Warrington closed down Murray, his toe-end deflecting the ball off its goal-bound path.

That was a rare incursion into either goal-mouth. Innovation was scant from both sides, save for the occasional cultured pass from Scott Jordan. And City had to depend, not for the first time, on the defensive strength of Mark Tinkler, a sweeper of increasingly impeccable influence.

As an attacking force City abandoned their customary slick passing for route one aimlessness and ultimately proved as anonymous as the man who painted the Sistine Chapel before Michelangelo.

It seemed utterly pointless to hoof high balls into a defence populated with towering beacons, especially Redmile, as wide as a country mile with sprinter's speed to boot.

Home blood was only stirred in first-half stoppage time. First, County captain Hendon almost headed into his own net and from the subsequent corner Tony Barras' firm nod screeched straight into Darren Ward's gloves.

Thankfully, the second-half was an improvement on the wretched first. Unfortunately, the lift City wanted came within 62 seconds of the re-start only to be deflated within minutes.

Barry Jones' punt by-passed challengers Hendon and Cresswell for Connelly to hare into the available space and chip the ball over Ward.

The celebrations had barely subsided when, from a curling corner, Gary Owers distracted Warrington, perhaps illegally, and in a melee ex-Leeds' stopper Chris Fairclough bundled in his first goal for the Magpies. It was a lurch from magnificent to messy.

But though pegged back, City began to return to a more subtle mix, groundwork now added to their graft. And central to the renewed and refreshing variation was substitute Neil Tolson.

On for the form-seeking Rodney Rowe, Tolson started so like a man possessed he must have seen the re-release of The Exorcist.

Two instant passes set up good moves and then he chased down impressive left-back Dennis Pearce to send Connelly out of his traps for a cross almost converted by Agnew at full-stretch. County 'keeper Darren Ward snuffed out the advance with a brave dive.

The Tolson-Connelly link was City's most likely source of a winner as on the other flank Garratt was preoccupied with dousing the danger of County's wide flier Steve Finnan.

Anxiety was tighter than a mariner's knot in both dugouts as the game's conclusion was reached with both defences fissuring as new gaps began to appear.

Stalemate ruled, and though City still wait to puncture the Magpies' three-decade hoard of Bootham Crescent success, the recent month of pointlessness has been halted.

MATCH NOTES

10min: Steepling ball to left from Mark Tinkler is guided down by Richard Cresswell, but Martin Garratt's cross-shot skims across the face of goal.

22min: Diminutive Shaun Murray gets in a header, but Andy Warrington rescues with an instinctive block.

38min: Murray dips an instant volley narrowly wide.

39min: City fans roused by rippling run down the right flank by Andy McMillan, whose cross overshoots Cresswell and Rodney Rowe.

43min: Cresswell nods the ball to Steve Agnew, but his shot smacks against Cresswell.

45min: Cresswell's clipped cross forces Ian Hendon to head narrowly over his bar. From the corner Barras' header goes straight to Darren Ward.

46min: Through ball from Barry Jones seized on by Gordon Connelly to score with a delicate lob.1-0.

49min: Chris Fairclough gets the final touch from Dennis Pearce's inswinging corner to level. 1-1.

71min: Neil Tolson sends Connelly away for cross met by Agnew, who is denied by Ward.

74min: Tolson-Connelly link finds Cresswell, but Fairclough blocks the swivel shot.

89min: Tolson and Cresswell's presence unsettles the defence for Connelly to rifle a volley saved to his right by Ward.

90min: Stoppage time pass from Barras puts Tolson clear, his snap shot superbly turned away by the County 'keeper.

TAP & SPILE MAN OF THE MATCH

Mark Tinkler

Dogged defence in the first-half ensured parity for City at half-time. When City at last got a surge on, his passing skill came to the fore.

FANS' PANEL 1998-99

"Who should partner Cresswell up front?"

Gary Chadderton, age 31

For pace and skill it has to be Rodney Rowe. His record over last season shows just what he is capable of. We all know what he can do and I would prefer him to be kept up front for the time being.

Ruth Reynolds, age 37

It's Neil Tolson for me. I believe his passing is a lot better than Rodney Rowe's. With Cresswell quite nimble Tolson has the strength and I believe that would be the best combination for City.

Matt McCartney, age 20

In an ideal world I would go and buy someone new. But as it stands I prefer Neil Tolson over Rodney Rowe because Rowe has a confidence problem. It's maybe time to give Neil Woods another try.

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