York City U19s secured a point away at FC Halifax Town in the National League U19 Alliance North, after sparking a second-half comeback from 2-0 down.
Campbell White returned to the line-up following a late change prior to last week’s game due to illness, while Ben Farrar was also added to the options on the bench.
Halifax had the first opportunity of the game in the fourth minute, with a bit of pinball inside the box eventually seeing a shot fly adrift.
Ten minutes later, a long ball forward from the ‘keeper was flicked on into the path of a Shaymen forward, who carried it into the area and neatly found the far corner to give the hosts the lead.
City captain Ollie Belleh saw a window of chance when a loose ball fell to him on the edge of the box. After bringing it down with a touch, his effort rolled wide of the post.
Oz Shaw connected with a corner in the 24th minute, powering a header straight into the arms of the ‘keeper.
Moments later, White did well to shut down an opportunity, smothering the ball to safety from an attacker through on goal.
Halifax continued to threaten, with a series of shots blocked by the York defenders.
At the other end, Ethan Stiver was denied at point-blank range, while Eddie Kettlewell also had an effort from a tight angle saved by the ‘keeper.
Lewis Beadle struck one high and wide approaching stoppage time, before the Shaymen doubled their advantage.
It was another long ball forward which bounced over numerous bodies and into the area, allowing a blue shirt to smash it into the back of the net.
Early in the second half, a Minstermen cross fell to Kettlewell inside the box, but under pressure he couldn’t get the ball under control, with the ‘keeper alert to collect.
Next, a half-cleared cross dropped to Josh Binns at the back post. His half-volley went close but narrowly evaded the far upright.
Substitute Ben Farrar halved the deficit in the 76th minute, flicking home a low cross from Binns at the near post.
The winger almost had another assist soon after, his lofted delivery finding Lucas Russell in the box, though the midfielder’s first touch went straight to the goalkeeper.
Another substitute, Tom Hewson, had an attempt very well blocked behind by a Halifax defender.
With all the momentum in York’s favour, chances for the hosts became increasingly rare, and the tame effort they did manage failed to trouble White.
Binns, who continued to look a real danger down the left, was unfortunate to see his low ball strike the back post, possibly via a flick on.
As the game edged deeper into injury time, the pressure mounted for an equaliser. Beadle tried again, but his shot flew over.
Then, in the 94th minute, Hewson grabbed the all-important goal – his second stoppage-time strike in as many games.
Once again it was Binns’ delivery that created the chance, his cross finding Hewson arriving around the penalty spot. The initial effort was saved, but the forward bundled home the rebound to ensure the points were shared in West Yorkshire.
York City: White, Kydd, Beadle, Belleh ©, Shaw, Russell, Roberts (Hewson 63’), Stiver (Farrar 46’), Kettlewell (Campbell-Baldwin 63’), Greening (Newall 74’), Binns.
Sub not used: Baker.
