Controversial Stalemate For York Hearts

Poor refereeing and opposition tactics both played a part last nights Championship game at Huntington, as YH's ground out a tense 0-0 draw with Knit One, Pearl One. York Hearts produced some neat passing in the opening half, but couldn't create any real chances, half chances were had by Aitchison and Burnett only to be diffused by the KOPO defence. The game wasn't allowed to flow as it could have due to both teams getting pulled up harshly for fouls, which in turn added to the frustration of both sides. The second half was much the same, with needless fouls being committed by both sides - or in the KOPO's case, being committed but not penalised. Chances again were far and few between, however Ibby pulled of a couple of fine saves from the opposition attack. The game's major incident came mid-way through the second half when Barclay 'Rocky' Ong had his shirt pulled by an opponent, and through frustration of previous fouls retaliated with what the authorities might call - 'Raised Arms'..... The fact both players swung several punches whilst their hand were up there had nothing to do with subsequent Red Cards that they both received..... With more free space on the pitch the game became a little more open, with both teams looking a bit more lively, Burnett skillfully making space, only to slice his shot wide of the post. KOPO were lucky to even finish the match with five men, as Burnett was cynically brought down by a careless tackle, the free-kick failing to be converted. Yh's last of the game chance fell at the feet of Aitchison, who drove his shot powerfully into the near post side-netting, so close that it fooled the YHs bench into thinking that it was in. A late chance was made on the break by KOPO, but Steve Carroll sealed his man of the match performance with a superb last gasp tackle as the ball had just left the attacker's foot.
York Hearts own Page 8 Model, Coach Ian Warner, was happy with the point, as the teams attention now turns to Cup action for next weeks outing against Premiership new-boys Crosbys.
The squad was: Dall, Beattie, Hardie, Aitchison, S. Outing, Carroll, Burnett, Bedingham, Ong