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York City 2-0 Bedworth United |
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By Max Benson
City reached the First Round proper of the cup after an easy win at Bootham Crescent.
First half goals from Michael Rankine and Richard Brodie killed off any chance of an upset and allowed the Minstermen to switch off and conserve energy ahead of an awkward trip to Crawley next week.
A particularly forgettable second half will certainly have made life tricky for one man. Barry Parker, returning to the Radio York commentary box, will no doubt have relished the challenge and battled through in his own inimitable style.
Andy Ferrell, Daniel Parslow and Adam Smith were all rested by Martin Foyle as James Meredith, David McGurk and Adam Boyes started.
It was Bedworth who nearly created the first chance in the 6th minute. Breaking down the left, Jason Moore beat Jimmy Sangare but, instead of driving for goal, he threw himself on the ground in a misguided search for a penalty.
But in the 8th minute the Minstermen settled any underlying nerves with a solo goal from Michael Rankine. The former Rushden striker found plenty of space, cut in from the left and drilled a low shot past Bedworth ‘keeper David Bevan.
The opener was the catalyst for a spell of unrewarded City pressure that the visitors battled hard to contain.
Sadly, a number of the Bedworth fans appeared to have enjoyed the pre-match hospitality in the Social Club a bit more than they should have done and play was briefly halted after an object appeared to be thrown at Michael Ingham.
A move involving Brodie and Ben Purkiss saw Boyes set up 20 yards from goal but the man on loan from Scunthorpe couldn’t capitalise and shot straight at Bevan.
It should have been two in the 28th minute. James Meredith had his shot saved by Bevan before the Aussie full back hooked the ball back into the six yard box. Brodie’s shot was cleared off the line and the gathered Bedworth defenders combined to hoof clear.
A surprise could have been on the cards on the half hour when Bedworth won a penalty. Paddy Connolly was felled a yard inside the box by Sangare and referee Harwood pointed to the spot. Moore’s effort was weak, though, and Ingham saved easily to his left.
Brodie came close again on 34 minutes. City’s top scorer broke through the middle, beat the ‘keeper but saw his goal-bound effort blocked by the alert Rory Squire.
Another chance came for the Minstermen in the 39th minute. Brodie turned his man and curled a cross to the back post where Rankine headed wide.
The pace of the game was slow and Jamie Lenton was afforded space as City sat back. Despite being well placed, the Greenbacks’ captain couldn’t make his mind up and scuffed a tame shot well wide.
City's second goal came shortly after. Purkiss was given all the time in the world to cross from the right onto the head of Brodie who nodded home from six yards.
Connolly could have pulled one back for the visitors early in the second half. From the edge of the area, the midfielder arrowed his shot narrowly wide of the right hand post.
Ingham was forced into a fingertip save when Squire headed powerfully towards goal after beating Rankine in the air.
A desperately dull second half was briefly sparked into life just after the hour mark as a late tackle in front of the Pop Stand led to a fracas by the touchline. Lenton was booked for the initial challenge and Neil Barrett was also carded for retaliation.
A third goal for the Minstermen nearly came on 68 minutes. Brodie, unmarked at the back post, struck a low shot with his unfavoured right foot that was deflected wide.
City showed little interest in extending their advantage and were clearly content to sit on their two goal lead. The away side rarely troubled Ingham and the Minstermen coasted home without breaking into second gear.
It wasn’t pretty, but it doesn’t matter. City will now take their place in tomorrow’s First Round draw alongside the likes of Leeds, Charlton, Morecambe and Macclesfield.
Line-Ups
York City (4-4-2) – Ingham, Purkiss, McGurk, Parslow, Meredith, Boyes (Smith 60), Lawless, Barrett (Ferrell 85), Carruthers (Mackin 72), Rankine, Brodie
Subs Not Used – Parslow, Nelthorpe, Mimms, McWilliams
Bedworth United (4-4-2) – Bevan, Moran, Squire, Cummins, Shilton (Petty 29), Blair, Connolly, Lenton, Allen (Kabango 77), Moore, Robinson (Beard 54)
Subs Not Used – Shepherd, Koriya, Lee, Edmond
Referee – C Harwood (Manchester)
Yellow Cards – Barrett (City) Lenton (Bedworth)
Man of the Match – Michael Rankine
Attendance - 1,869 (170 Bedworth)
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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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