York City march on!
Fans were delirious tonight after City won their National League North play-off eliminator in front of a record crowd at the LNER Community Stadium.
A total of 6,394 – including more than 6,000 City fans – watched the team beat Chorley 2-1. It was the biggest City crowd for 15 years.
The victory means they travel to play Brackley on Saturday in the semi final.
Huge queues outside the stadium built up as the crowds struggled to get through the electronic turnstiles.
But most made it in for the 7.45pm kick-off and the atmosphere was rocking from start to finish.
Led by the South Stand, choruses of ‘City are massive everywhere we go’ and ‘Stand up if you love City’ rang out throughout the 90 minutes.
A wonderful lob from Lennell John-Lewis took City into the lead after 11 minutes.
Chorley then equalised from a header after 25 minutes.
An error by Chorley keeper Matt Urwin let in Matt Hancox who finished cooly five minutes after half time.
It was a hard fought and open game with more chances for both sides, but City defended stoutly.
More tension was created when fans invaded the pitch before the end thinking the final whistle had gone.
And then it was all over. Many supporters, ignoring the entreaties from the club, took to the pitch to celebrate. At least one flare was thrown towards the Chorley end, before stewards stepped in and the fans went home, dreaming of another big win on Saturday.
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]