A SPIRITED display proved just in vain for York Schoolboys Under-12s’ footballers, writes Oscar Pearson.

Up against the Michael Dale Yorkshire Cup favourites Hull, York bowed out after a 1-0 defeat in the semi-final.

York started brightly, capped by excellent midfield work from a dominant Dan Hartley and Alfie Atkinson.

The hosts ensured the Hull goalkeeper and his defence had to be on their toes. Luke Matterson had a shot cleared off the line and near half-time Atkinson hit over from close in.

During the second half, York continued to dominate but could not convert their chances. Slowly, Hull grew into the game and created opportunities.

Man-of-the-match Hartley led from the front in search of a winner but they could not break through.

Then, with just seven minutes to go, a Hull raider latched on to a through ball to finish well.

Though York countered strongly, they could not break the stubborn Hull resistance.

Besides Hartley, Cai Gallimore and Jamie O’Connell excelled in defence, Reece Botterill and Kain Rogerson attacked powerfully down the flanks and Dan Moll led the line stoutly.

York now travel to Leeds in the Junior Star League.

Meanwhile, a terrific away performance saw York U13s overcome a dogged Wakefield side 5-0.

In a frantic opening period, in which both sides rushed forward, Wakefield forced the first save of the match from York ’keeper Adam Precious.

Defenders Joe Kemp and Joe Kilvington excelled early on with some strong tackles and good clearing headers, and gradually the home side began to hold onto the ball and create chances of their own.

Milo Shore hit a low drive from 20 yards just past a post, before Dan Davison and Donald Chimalilo saw their efforts saved after some excellent approach play.

York finally broke the deadlock just before the break when Davison headed home a sublime Max Tweddle corner.

A scrappy start to the second half saw neither side manage to gain the upper hand, but York’s quality on the ball soon shone through.

The visitors doubled their lead when an accurate pass from Lucas Hindle allowed Shore to slot home.

York’s third followed shortly afterwards when a precise through ball from Shore was neatly placed in by Chimalilo.

Davison then followed up a blocked Shore effort to make it four, and man-of-the-match Tweddle surged into the box and finished with a low drive to pile more misery on the hosts.