United escaped with a draw after a tight affair with playoff contenders York City coming from behind to equalise, a solitary strike from Simon Clist ruling out Michael Rankine's late opener.
York dominated for much of the game and they did just that during the early
 | U's duo Constable & Green are now suspended for the U's FA Cup tie as they welcome Thurrock |
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exchanges. Ryan Clarke saving well within the first seconds winning the battle with Michael Rankine to smother the ball at the footman's feet. Within 10 minutes
York created their first half chance floated corner from the right found the head of Rankine who could only find the clutches of Clarke in the United goal. York were dominating however failed to open up United in the early periods, a back four comprising of Mark Creighton, Luke Foster, the recalled Damian Batt and Steven Kinninburgh provided the barrier for United to gain brief rest bite.
United failed to trouble York however on 20 they created their first chance through the pace of Damian Batt, the fullback galloping forwards to send a shot wide as United had little in terms of attacking outlets. Manager Chris Wilder would now have the difficult task of re-galvanising his side at the half time interval which had so far produced a stale mate.
The second half began in similar fashion, Richard Brodie firing only to be denied by the colossal figure Creighton. York were applying all the throttle as United kept their heads screwed allowing the home side to play inside the U's half. This didn't deter United as again the back four held firm to deny a York breakthrough.
On 70 minutes however the opener fell to the home side through Michael Rankine. The former Rushden man had caused Creighton and Foster problems all day with his pace and the pairing of Brodie and Rankine paid dividends. Ferrell found space on the left to drive in a superb ball for the on-rushing Rankine to fire home past the outstretched Ryan Clarke from 6 yards.
Rankine's effort gave the away side the incentive to wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee. They began to play and within 5 minutes almost had the goal that drew them level, top scorer James Constable the culprit as Batt's cross evaded him at the last second as the score remained level. Subsequently the equaliser came after just minutes of pressure following the opener, Midson's drive found Clist free as York failed to react to slot past Ingham in the home goal.
Moments later and United's chances were dealt a further boost as York left back James Meredith was given his marching orders after receiving his second caution leaving Martin Foyle's side with 10 men and with it all to do. However United's pressure wasn't to be as the home side held out for a well deserved point at the leagues leaders.
| Blue Square (Conference) Premier, Saturday, 17th October 2009 @ 15:00 |
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