York Hearts leave early... but Hearts leave it late

Just a few hours after stumbling home from the St Andrew's Night Celebration, York Hearts members were up and out once again, for the long journey north to Tynecastle.
The lunch-time kick-off meant the six hardy travellers set off from York city centre at 6.30am, with York still clothed in darkness.
Gavstro Aitchison drew the short straw and drove as the others slept, snored and grumbled in the passenger seats.
The game was far from a classic, but Hearts had more of the clear-cut chances. Celtic looked like clinching a rather fortunate 1-0 win until the dying seconds, when referee Kenny Clarke belatedly realised the rules applied to those in hoops as well as those in maroon, and gave Hearts a last-minute penalty. Andrius Velicka maintained his impressive record against the Parkhead side, to earn Hearts a 1-1 draw.
That made for a slightly more enjoyable drive back to York.

St Andrew's Night Celebration

DOZENS of people braved the torrential rain to turn up at the York Hearts St Andrew's Night Celebration on Friday.
The club's first formal event was held at the Minster Hotel in Bootham, and was a huge success.
Piper John Woodman greeted guests with a selection of Scottish classics, before piping them upstairs to the dining room.
There, chairman Ian Warner delivered a brief speech and introduced the guests of honour Roy Kay and Henry Smith. Diners were then treated to traditional Yorkshire-Scottish fare in the form of haggis, neeps and tatties with Yorkshire puddings, and stovies. There was also a stroganoff option.
A raffle raised more than £150, while the auction made about £1,000 - more than half of which is going to the York Guardian Angels appeal. Henry Smith very generously donated a limited edition Heart shirt, commemorating those who gave their lives in the First World War.
Look out for a full report and picture in Tuesday's edition of The Press.

St. Andrews Night Celebration Photo's

Can be found at the following Link: http://mainlyfax.fotopic.net/c1416945.html

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

Next Up For The YHs.....

York Hearts FC take to the astro-turf at Huntington again tomorrow night at 830pm against 7th placed Knit One, Pearl One. All spectators are welcome, while players should advise Badger if they are unable to play. YHFC, who currently lie 8th in the Championship, will be hoping to return to winning ways after a less than impressive run of results. Rich returns in Goal, and Gav "Gavstro" Aitchison is available after coming through his comeback game injury-free. Ibby's injury problems continue and a fitness assessment will be made on the night. YHs hope to reverse their recent record in games against the team who used to be known as Real Skint FC, in what could prove to be a six-pointer come the end of the season.

Honours Even in York Hearts FC 'Derby'

York Hearts were left ruing several missed opportunities as they were held to a 1-1 draw with their green cross-city rivals Browns of York in atrocious conditions at Huntington last night. Browns broke early in the first half to go 1-0 up, having cut open a half asleep YHs and calmly placing it past stranded keeper Ibby, who was deputising for the still injured Rich. YH battled away with the majority of possession, Bedo, Sammy, and Stampie all being denied by the in-form Browns keeper, before Bedo buried a well taken equaliser after some neat passing from Bruno and Sammy. Gav Aitchison, playing in only his second outfield game of the season, kept Browns at bay from the back in the second stanza, with YH still creating all the chances at the other end of the field. Almost everyone aimed a shot a goal, only to be denied again by the goalie. With less than a minute to go Sammy collected the ball in space, and looked certain to claim a dramatic late winner for the Jambos, but screwed the ball agonisingly wide of the far post. There was still time though for one final attack, but Stampie unfortunately had the same shooting boots on as his colleagues and failed to snatch a winner which was certain to seal the win. Alex 'Bedo' Bedingham was named York Hearts man of the match
The squad was: Dall, Beattie, Hardie, Aitchison, S. Outing, Carroll, Burnett, Bedingham.

Next up is 'Knit One, Pearl One' at 8.30pm on Tuesday 27th November at Huntington.

Hearts vs Celtic - Tickets - 01-12-07

Would anyone requiring a ticket for the Hearts v Celtic match on 1/12/07 please contact any member of the committee via telephone or email prior to end of Wednesday of this week to ensure we are able to purchase on your behalf.

Please also confirm whether you wish to travel to the match on the bus which is scheduled to depart from Toft Green at 06.30hrs. Early start due to the 12.30OK time.

Thank You, S.O

'Derby' Day For York Hearts FC

York Hearts FC return to league action Tonight with the 'Derby' match against Browns of York, at Huntington at 930pm. All spectators are welcome, while players should advise Badger if they are unable to play.
YHFC currently lie 8th in the Championship, and having shown promise with recent results, will be hoping to get back on winning ways after a disappointing showing seven days ago. Rich returns in Goal, and Gav "Gavstro" Aitchison faces a late fitness test on his troublesome ankle injury, meanwhile, Ibby's injury misery continues and is sidelined as YHs hope to keep up their 100% record in games against York's own version of the wee team.