Draw at Telford confirms playoff home tie

It was mission accomplished for City as the Minstermen overtook Chorley to confirm a home playoff tie with a draw at Telford.

And it was celebrations in both camps, as a point gave the Bucks what they needed to stay up and seal their place in the National League North next season.

Going into the contest, John Askey made three changes to his side, with Michael Woods coming into the starting eleven in a midfield three and Donaldson and Willoughby replacing John-Lewis and McKay up top.

Telford came out the better side and in the first half were backed by a vocal home support who pushed their side on the attack.

Just three minutes in Bucks winger Carl Baker got the better of Sam Sanders at the back post before smashing his effort into the side netting.

Ryan Burke then had his strike from the edge of the box tipped over the crossbar by the ever-reliable Pete Jameson.

But the Lilywhites finally opened the scoring on 17 minutes through midfielder Keaton Ward who received the ball on the edge and curled an inch perfect strike in off the far post.

After going a goal down City were kicked into action, first Clayton Donaldson forcing Pilling to get down and save his shot on the spin followed by Maz Kouhyar dribbling through the Telford defence, only to place his effort inches wide.

In the second half City went close again, this time Paddy McLaughlin teeing up Donaldson who looped his header just over the crossbar.

City’s efforts were finally rewarded on 75 minutes with Akil Wright punting the ball into the top corner after Telford failed to clear on the edge of the box, gifting the boys in red and blue a deserved equaliser.

With news hitting the players of results elsewhere the game slowed down and cheers from both sides rung around the ground as the game drew to a close.

York now contest Chorley at home Wednesday night in what will be a special occasion under the lights at the LNER Community Stadium (Kick-off 7:45pm).

 

York City: Jameson, Dyson, Kouogun (Brown 53’), Sanders, Barrow, Wright. McLaughlin, Woods (Hancox 56’), Kouhyar, Donaldson, Willoughby (John-Lewis 69’)

Unused subs: Whitley, McKay

Goals: Wright 75’

Yellow Cards: Kouogun

 

AFC Telford United: Pilling, Melhado, Piggott, Flowers, Burke, Nolan, Evans (Lilly 90’), Baker (Marshall 74’), Ward (Goodridge 69’), Green, Oswell

Unused subs:  McNally, Daniels

Yellow Cards: Flowers

 

Attendance: 2,621

Referee: Dale Baines