YORK City Academy secured their first victory of the National League Under-19s Alliance north division season after winning 3-0 away to FC Halifax Town.

The youthful Minstermen made a lightening start at Huddersfield's Old Earth, taking the lead inside just seven minutes.

Josh Knowles swept the ball under the Halifax goalkeeper from close range from Jack Degruchy's delivery from the right hand side.

York quickly doubled their lead when captain Jonny Haase's low left-flank cross found its way to Kyle Lancaster at the far post for the midfielder to turn the ball in.

Goalkeeper Maison Campbell stood strong against Halifax chances later in the half, in particular making a fine stop on the line in the middle of a goal-mouth scramble.

But he ensured that City would still lead 2-0 by half-time, though Degruchy came close to furthering the lead before the interval.

Only two minutes after the restart, Town were reduced to 10 men when their striker was sent off for violent conduct.

With a dozen minutes to go, York finally found their third goal when Knowles lobbed the goalkeeper to complete his brace.

And the Minstermen ensured that they would finish the afternoon with a clean sheet when Campbell saved an 84th-minute penalty from Halifax to his left side.

York travel to winless Notts County in their next outing on Wednesday, October 6.

York: Campbell, McLoughlin, Haase (C), Algar, Owen, Cunningham, Lancaster, Gordon, Jones, Degruchy, Knowles.

Subs: Pickles, Dale, Ezard, Magwere, Heaton.