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York City 1-0 Ebbsfleet United |
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By Max Benson
Job done - but it was hard work as Ebbsfleet defied their lowly league position to give City a real test in a tight encounter.
A winning goal and man of the match performance from Michael Rankine sent the Minstermen on their way to make it thirteen games unbeaten at home this season.
Magno Vieira had the first chance for the visitors in just the second minute. The former Barnet striker hit a low drive from a free kick that deflected off the wall and lobbed harmlessly through to Michael Ingham.
Richard Brodie is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal and he nearly put the Minstermen ahead after eight minutes. A route one clearance after an Ebbsfleet corner at the other end saw Brodie beat Dean Pooley for pace, only for the defender to recover well and concede a corner.
Alex Lawless forced visiting ‘keeper Lance Cronin into his first save of the afternoon with a fizzing drive from the edge of the box that Cronin fumbled at the first attempt before gathering safely.
Pooley was Ebbsfleet’s saviour again after sixteen minutes. Adam Smith outwitted former City target Darius Charles down the right, cut inside and saw his left foot shot deflect wide off the airborne defender.
The ongoing partnership between Brodie and Rankine nearly paid dividends a minute later when the former released the latter with a flicked header. Brodie was forced onto his weaker right foot, though, and shot tamely at Cronin.
David McGurk was next to have a go for the home side who were by now getting into their stride. An in swinging Lawless free kick from the left was headed over by City’s longest serving player at the near post.
Smith was an integral part of City’s armoury in the first half and his outstanding first touch on the half way line gave him the freedom to bomb forward once more. On this occasion he found Brodie inside him but the big Geordie was well marshalled by the Fleet back line and the ball was cleared.
All the chances were being created by the Minstermen and Brodie came close again on the half hour mark. A tantalising cross from Chris Carruthers drifted to the back post and Brodie rose highest, nodding over from eight yards.
And a smooth passing move almost saw City ahead five minutes later. Cronin did well to tip over Brodie’s powerful header after intelligent play by Lawless, Carruthers and James Meredith.
But it was no more than a momentary reprieve for the visitors. On 36 minutes, Rankine was the man in the right place at the right time to force home from point blank range after Cronin parried McGurk’s shot deep inside the area.
Ebbsfleet weren’t as bad as the table suggests. Charles tested Ingham shortly before half time after being given space and time just outside the area. The ex Brentford defender’s effort was too close to Ingham, however, and he gathered comfortably.
Rankine almost made it two shortly after. Meredith’s cross threatened to dip under the crossbar, especially when helped on by City’s scorer, but Pooley was on hand again to clear off the line.
City’s dominance continued in the early part of the second period and Lawless was busy as ever and played in Brodie who shot just wide from distance.
Carruthers’ distribution was impressive and his cross from the left wing found Brodie who couldn’t create enough power and headed straight at Cronin.
Ebbsfleet were not without threat and an almighty goalmouth scramble ten minutes into the second half so nearly gave them a way back into the game. The sheer determination of McGurk, coupled with a bit of luck, saw the ball fall to a grateful Ingham.
Brodie narrowly avoided his fifth booking of the campaign on 70 minutes. City’s leading marksman went up for a seemingly honest aerial challenge and, to his surprise, was called over for a reprimand by referee Handley.
Another half chance came moments later as Brodie spun into space 25 yards from goal and had his curling strike deflected behind.
Daniel Parslow flew in to meet the resulting flag kick but saw his diving header stopped inches from the Ebbsfleet goal-line.
The visitors began to exert pressure in the final stages and the Minstermen had Parslow to thank for a brave block after a close range shot came through the crowd of bodies in the City area.
City were being increasingly forced back as Ebbsfleet fought for an all-important point in their battle against relegation. It was nervy for the impressive home crowd of over 2,500 but Parslow lead the last line well alongside McGurk.
It was a familiar scenario for any long-term York fan, but the Minstermen held on tight and remain just a point and a place below the play off’s.
Line-Ups
York City (4-4-2) – Ingham, Purkiss, McGurk, Parslow, Meredith, Smith (Mackin 79), Lawless, Barrett, Carruthers, Brodie, Rankine (Pacquette 76)
Subs Not Used – Ferrell, Graham, Gall
Ebbsfleet United (4-4-2) – Cronin, Heeroo, Smith (Salmon 65), Charles, Pooley, West (Forshaw 71), Bailey, Holmes, Welsh (Ginty 79), Shakes, Vieira
Subs Not Used – Wills, Lamprell
Referee – Darren Handley (Bolton)
Yellow Cards – Lawless, Barrett, Rankine, Mackin (York) Charles (Ebbsfleet)
Man of the Match – Michael Rankine
Attendance – 2,629 (64 Ebbsfleet)
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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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