York City 2-1 Exeter City
A commanding performance from newly-promoted York City saw The Minstermen beat Exeter City 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Alex Newby’s seventh minute opener was supplemented by substitute Jovan Malcolm’s late header, as Scott Lindsey’s National League champions deservedly picked up all three points to continue their impressive start to the season, despite Jack Fitzwater’s 91st minute consolation for the Grecians.
The victory propelled new boys York into third place in the embryonic League Two table after three matches, following the return of the club to league football after a decade long sojourn in non-league football
In front of nearly 8,000 at the LNER Stadium in a leisure park on the edge of this beguiling medieval city, following their 2021 move from their traditional Bootham Crescent home of 88 years, Lindsay’s side started the brightly – not surprisingly given York had won 33 of their 46 league matches last term.
The Minstermen didn’t take long to build on their previous 3-2 home victory over Bristol Rovers earlier this month, when Newby slotted home Harry Boyes cross past Grecians keeper Jack Bycroft after only seven minutes to put the home side ahead. The opener arriving after a sweeping move prompted by Joe Grey’s quick feet that saw the No7 dance through the middle of the park to feed Boyes.
The Minstermen nearly doubled their lead moments later when the lively Newby had his effort saved by Bycroft, following good work down the right flank from Joe Felix.
Exeter could have pulled a goal back five minutes before half time, but Ed James’ powerful header from Ethan Sutherland’s cross flew over York keeper Alfie McNally’ bar.
There was a delay to the start of the second half as Exeter’s Sonny Cox appeared to drop to the turf before the restart. Thankfully the Grecians No19 was eventually able stand up and gingerly walk off the pitch after being treated by the physio, to be replaced by No20 George Birch.
As the rain started to fall once more, York continued to dominate after the break, with Felix testing Bycroft in the 57th minute with a stinging shot that the visitors keeper parried.
As the clock ticked past the hour mark, the increasingly busy Bycroft kept out the lively Grey, prior to denying Jovan Malcolm’s effort, following an exquisite chest down, if not a deft first touch from the substitute forward. The Exeter keeper then saved well from after a flowing move prompted by the No7.
The dominance was eventually to tell, when Malcom doubled the home side’s lead with a header to make it 2-0 on 79 minutes after Boyes’ cross into a crowded box. As the game opened up Exeter’s Lakyle Samuel’s shot was blocked for a corner that came to nothing. Malcom nearly made it three for the home side, but his curling shot flew just past the post.
While there was still time for a late Exeter consolation from No5 Fitzwater in the 91st minute, to prompt a few nervous moments before the final whistle, Lindsay’s impressive York side deservedly sealed the points.
