YORK City Academy coach Tim Ryan has spoken of his delight following his side's victory on penalties over Chesterfield in the first round of the National League Academy Cup.

With the sides goalless three minutes from time at Bootham Crescent, Will Jackson looked to have given the young Minstermen victory within the 90, curling a neat left-footer just beyond the reach of Chesterfield keeper Dylan Wharton - only for Callum Brook to loop a header over keeper Jake Teale at the other end before the final whistle.

The tie went straight to spot kicks, where Teale put in an outstanding performance between the sticks to save three of the five Spireites penalties, his first a particularly impressive one-handed stretch to his bottom-left corner.

At 2-2 in the shoot-out with one kick left, the onus fell on captain Archie Whitfield to finish it off - and finish it he did, with a coolness which - Ryan revealed afterwards - belied the youngsters' reluctance to step up to the spot.

Prior to kick off, York - who are one of 22 teams league-wide to be part of the National League Academy Licence - were wary of the quality possessed by Chesterfield, whose academy has retained its category three banding.

Ryan said: "Chesterfield are obviously still in the cat three academies so we knew it would be a tough encounter.

"I'm absolutely delighted with all our players. We had a few injuries going into the game and obviously it limited our substitutes.

"We had 11 players on the pitch that finished the game, and the penalties. Absolutely outstanding. I'm really chuffed.

"Their game knowledge and combativeness they showed to go and win a cup tie was brilliant.

"Overall today, against a really, really good competitive side, it was really enjoyable.

"We'll come back in Friday, have a cool down and a chat about the game, but looking forward to Darlington, we won't get the lads' minds on it till Monday so they can enjoy today's game over the weekend.

"Archie Whitfield in holding midfield was, for me, absolutely outstanding. He ran the game at his own tempo, he was physical and won every second ball - and he took the winning pen.

"Picking the penalties, the lads were a little bit reserved coming forward. I think they were a little bit nervous.

"Archie was fifth out of the bag and I'm absolutely chuffed for him.

"He's been brilliant all season but, certainly today, he was outstanding."

This victory was York's second cup win in as many weeks, following their 6-1 demolition of Mansfield Town. The Minstermen sit second in the National League Academy North 'D' table with a game in hand over leaders AFC Fylde, victory over whom was one of City's current run of three consecutive league wins.

York return to league duties next week with a trip to Darlington.

Ryan added: "As a whole, every single one of these young lads strives to push each other.

"They're full of honesty, desire and the will to succeed, and a lot of them are desperate to push the gaffer to get a York City shirt on them and into the first team.

"The way they train and play week in, week out - they're outstanding.

"The games we have lost - as long as they really show desire to play for the club, that'll do for me."