Heldsown On Target As Youths Defeat York
The young Imps were up against a strong and physical York City side in their latest Football League Youth Alliance fixture and for the first quarter of an hour were pinned back in their half.
Matt Cotton, who had dropped in to a central midfield position, was working vigorously to win the ball back and on one occasion broke forward, played a one-two with Kieran Helsdown, got beyond the defence and had an attempt which the ‘keeper turned on to crossbar. Alex Simmons was first to follow up and he was denied by a block off the line.
City had York pinned back again shortly before half-time and when a Simmons chipped a free-kick over the wall, right back Nick Green hooked it into the box where Helsdown was waiting and volleyed home from eight yards out.
York come back fighting with an attempt early on in the second half from distance which the Imps’ ‘keeper Henry Smith dealt with superbly. Matt Bowles then won possession before firing over from 30 yards and shortly after substitute Jordan Harper, on for scorer Helsdown, had a chance but, having rounded the defender, the ball got stuck under his feet and he fired it straight at the keeper.
As the game wore on another substitute, Cenk Akar, met a deep corner with a header which ended up seeing Harper denied by the woodwork from close range but Helsdown’s earlier goal proved enough for an excellent victory.
Team: H Smith, Green (Grundy 72), Love, Everington, Ward, Cooke, Simmons (Akar 80), Bowles, Helsdown (Harper 60), Cotton, R Smith. Subs not used: Walton & Walker.
