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1993/94 (The Play-Off Years) |
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Following their promotion success of 1992/93 City – under the managership of Alan Little – had another successful campaign in 1993/94 when in Division Two they made a determined
bid to reach the second tier of English football for the second time in their history. Only a narrow defeat in the semi-final of the playoffs to Stockport County prevented a second
successive trip to Wembley.
The season started well and early in October they were up with all the leaders. The opening two games were won 2-1 against Swansea City with Paul Barnes scoring twice and 2-1 at Exeter City.
Six of the first 10 matches were won including 3-1 at home to Brighton and 5-0 against Cardiff City on 2nd October, 1993 with Steve Cooper (2), Gary Swann, Paul Barnes and Jon McCarthy on
the scoresheet. Cooper had signed in the close season from Tranmere Rovers. Then came a mini slump with three draws and five defeats in eight outings and City had slipped to 17th by the
end of November.
They recovered their form, however, and with only five defeats in the last 30 games they finished 5th to record their highest placing in the Football League since they were in the old Second Division in 1976.
The highlights during this run included a 5-0 win at Blackpool on 28th December, 1993 which set a new club record for an away win in the Football League. Scorers that day were Barnes (2), Cooper, Tony Canham and Tony Barratt (the following season City again won 5-0 at
Bloomfield Road). Other notable triumphs included home wins over the two top clubs Port Vale 1-0 on New Years Day 1994 and Reading in March 1-0 with Swann the scorer.
City finished strongly and their record for the last 13 games read: W8, D4, L1.
The only defeat was at Port Vale in April which marked Graeme Murty's Football League debut for the club. They clinched a top six place with a 3-1 win in the penultimate fixture at Barnet.
The average home league attendance of 4,633 was the highest since 1984/85 and the biggest Bootham Crescent crowds were 8,481 for the visit of Hull City at Christmas and 8,642 when Burnley were the visitors in
late April.
City boasted the best defensive record in the Second Division conceding 40 goals of which only 13 were let in at home to set a club record. Three players were ever present in the defence –
'keeper Dean Kiely, Andy McMillan and Steve Tutill while Wayne Hall missed one game. The recall of experienced central defender Paul Stancliffe in mid term was a key factor. In midfield
Canham, in his testimonial year, along with Swann and McCarthy plus youngster Steve Bushell were consistent performers. Upfront Barnes top scored with 24 goals and was Clubman of the Year.
Ian Blackstone had a good second half of the season and netted some important goals.
City's final record read:
P46, W21, D12, L13, F64, A40, Pts75 |
The top of the Second Division was:
Reading 89 Pts
Port Vale 88 Pts
Plymouth Argyle 85 Pts
Stockport County 75 Pts
CITY 75 Pts
Burnley 73 Pts
City were matched against Stockport County in the play-offs and the first leg was staged at Bootham Crescent on 15th May 1994 and the attendance was 8,744. On a greasy pitch following
heavy rain City had the better of the exchanges in a thrilling 0-0 draw. In the first half County's 'keeper John Keely made fine saves to thwart Blackstone, Canham and Barnes while Kiely
made one outstanding save to block a shot from Chris Beaumont. The visitors came more into the game after the break but City finished strongly with Blackstone squandering a good chance
and Canham having a shot well saved.
City's line up that day was:
| Kiely, McMillan, Hall, Swann, Tutill, Stancliffe, McCarthy, Blackstone (Cooper), Barnes, Bushell, Canham |
The second leg was at Edgeley Park three days later in front of 6,743. The match was a close hard fought affair and was decided in the 85th minute with a goal netted by Beaumount.
In a match of few chances County just about deserved their win but in the final at Wembley lost 2-1 to Burnley.
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Upcoming fixtures at York City FC
24th August - AFC Barrow - 7.45pm KO
28th August - Altrincham 3pm KO
4th September - Rushden & Diamonds 3pm KO
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