Defensive uncertainty was the only thing separating York City from newly-crowned Blue Square Premier champions Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way.
Real hesitation between recalled duo Josh Mimms and Danny Parslow ten minutes before the break allowed David Bridges the opportunity to head in a cross supplied by former York striker Chris Beardsley.
It left the visitors contemplating a play-off semi-final first-leg meeting with Luton Town at Bootham Crescent next Thursday night.
With that game in mind, York manager Martin Foyle relegated leading goalscorer Richard Brodie to the substitutes bench, while regular goalkeeper Michael Ingham and right-back Ben Purkiss didn’t even make the sixteen.
The experienced Paul Harsley was reintroduced into a numerically strengthened midfield that featured Alex Lawless pushing forward in support of sole front-runner Michael Rankine. It appeared very much a conscious test-run of a possible formation that could be used for protecting a first-leg lead.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, it was very much the home side on the offensive during the opening half, although they didn’t actually threaten too much until taking the lead as the interval approached.
Michael Bostwick and Charlie Griffin both sent efforts wide and Beardsley drove straight at York keeper Mimms, while Lawless found the side-netting and Harsley directed a speculative 25-yard effort at Chris Day at the opposite end.
But it was strong work and a cross from Beardsley on 35 minutes that found indecision between Parslow and Mimms and allowed Bridges to head into an inviting net. More uncertain defensive work just before the break also witnessed Andy Drury heading past an upright.
The Minstermen were more progressive after the interval with Chris Carruthers wastefully sending a right-footed cross over the bar following promising approach work.
Neil Barrett also glanced a header at Day from Harsley’s free-kick, while David McGurk’s header from another Carruthers cross was diverted behind at the expense of a corner.
And it was Carruthers who went really close midway through the half when having a drive well saved by Day before lively York substitute Adam Smith crossed for McGurk to head behind.
Joel Byrom soon drilled a free-kick over in response after Luke Graham had been penalised on the edge of his own area, while York’s 79th minute substitute Brodie cut inside before shooting straight at Day.
The Minstermen continued to push for an equaliser with Levi Mackin’s volley striking team-mate Graham before their late appeals for a penalty were waved aside after Rankine’s shot appeared to find an opponents’ hand inside the area.
Stevenage Borough: Day, Henry, Ashton, Roberts, Laird, Byrom, Bridges (Odubade 54), Bostwick, Drury, Griffin (Sills 63), Beardsley (Wilson 69)
subs (unused): Bayes, Long
Goals: Bridges (35)
York City: Mimms, Parslow, Graham, McGurk, Meredith, Harsley (Smith 66), Barrett (Gash 66), Mackin, Carruthers (Brodie 79) Lawless, Rankine
subs (unused): Pacquette, Clarke
Ref: J. Farries (Oxfordshire)
Att: 5,068
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