On Sky
Six long years of hurt could finally end for York City in north west London as they take on Oxford United in their play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Eleven years prior to that a future Irish international goalkeeper, Dean Kiely, dramatically saved a penalty during a nerve-jangling shoot-out to clinch promotion for the Minstermen underneath the shadows of the old twin towers.
This time around and led by another Irish international shot-stopper in Michael Ingham, York will be looking to reclaim their Football League status at the expense of Oxford, who themselves have been paddling around the footballing backwaters for the last four seasons.
There is expected to be close on a record crowd for a Conference play-off final at Wembley, although only around a quarter of it is likely to be made up of York followers.
However, that won’t unduly bother the Minstermen, who have already silenced the masses at Luton Town on their way to the final. And now their manager Martin Foyle will be hoping that they can take it just one step further and complete a long-yearned for and glorious return to the Football League.
Vital Quotes:
York manager Martin Foyle told The Press: “They will definitely go 4-3-3 and we know exactly how we will deal with that. In the past, we have struggled a bit with two centre-halves against one centre-forward, but it`s not that much of a problem. We probably need to push their full-backs back more than we have in the past against 4-3-3 teams, but we have created chances in those matches and must take them if they come our way again. We also know they are petrified of Richard Brodie and Michael Rankine.”
Oxford boss Chris Wilder told his club’s official website: “The boys are relaxed but focussed. They’re not leant back and falling over but they’re nice and calm yet determined with it. I said at the start of the week that it’s important to focus on ourselves and what we’re about, and to make sure that we grab the opportunity.”
York City Team News:
York boss Martin Foyle will almost certainly name an unchanged side from that which completed a tremendous double over Luton Town in the semi-final. That would see goalkeeper Michael Ingham again leading the team in the absence of Danny Parslow, who should be on the bench. Manager Martin Foyle has already confirmed that he will be including a goalkeeper amongst his replacements.
York City (probable): Ingham, Purkiss, McGurk, Graham, Meredith, Lawless, Mackin, Barrett, Carruthers, Rankine, Brodie
subs (from): Mimms, Parslow, Sangare, Pitt, Gash, Pacquette, Smith, Harsley
Player to watch: Richard Brodie
The best striker in the division in terms of goals return – 37 this season alone – and York’s main hope of emerging victorious.
Oxford United Team News:
Oxford manager Chris Wilder is almost certain to stick with the 4-3-3 formation and starting eleven that helped his side ease past Rushden & Diamonds in the semi-final. Skipper Adam Murray is, as expected, ruled out with a back injury, while Sam Deering and on loan Alfie Potter will probably have to make do with places on the bench. Veteran Chris Hargreaves could also be amongst their substitutes, although he faces a challenge from Kevin Sandwith for that role.
Oxford United (probable): Clarke, Batt, Creighton, Wright, Tonkin, Bulman, Chapman, Clist, Green, Constable, Midson
subs (from): Turley, Sandwith, Day, Potter, Deering, Hargreaves
Player to watch: James Constable
Dangerous striker who has scored more than fifty goals for Oxford over the past two seasons.
Match Facts & Stats
Oxford have had the better of the two encounters this season, winning 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium on the opening day of the season, courtesy of two very late goals and despite being largely outplayed. The return fixture at Bootham Crescent was drawn 1-1, where again the Minstermen were the dominant force until having James Meredith sent-off.
Ref Watch:
Michael Naylor (South Yorkshire)
Match Prediction:
We actually think there could be goals. If York can take a hold of midfield they should have enough variation and strength in attack to do the business. Substitutions could be crucial and once again the Minstermen, at least on the face of it, would appear slighly more progressive in this area, although both Alfie Potter and Sam Deering can offer real threat for their opponents. Oxford will no doubt be strong throughout their side, however, and it could even come down to whether Richard Brodie or James Constable enjoys the better afternoon. York 3 Oxford 1.
Next Fixtures:
One of these clubs will be playing at the likes of Gillingham, Southend United and Bradford City next season, while the other will have to settle for trips to Hayes & Yeading United, Bath City and Fleetwood Town.
