YORK Under-15 schoolboy footballers had their dreams of national cup glory snatched away by a late Nottingham winner which robbed them of the chance to get into the quarter finals of the National ESFA Cup.

Nottingham took a 1-0 victory with a goal two minutes from time, breaking York hearts and ending their interest in a competition which began with 140 districts battling for a place in the final.

York had secured their spot in the last 32 after a shock 2-1 win at Middlesbrough and went into the clash with high hopes of reaching the next stage.

The match, at Poppleton, began well enough for York and, despite windy conditions, both sides fought out a tight first-half - with some heavy challenges exchanged in the midfield.

Ten minutes in, York striker Ian Blackburn had the game's first clear cut chance, finding himself with space in the penalty area only to fire his shot at the Nottingham crossbar.

York edged the rest of the first period on chances but were unable to break the deadlock and the score crucially remained 0-0 at the break.

Defences continued to dominate in the second-half and York had goalkeeper Chris Barratt to thank when a Nottingham striker was worked into the penalty area with the goal at his mercy.

Barratt somehow managed to throw out a left hand to deflect away a certain goal for a corner.

York responded well and Lee Fisher made two great midfield surges into the opposition penalty area, but brave last ditch tackles by a strong Nottingham defence denied him on both occasions.

At the other end, York defenders Adam Scorefield and Dean Lisles were giving composed displays, while in midfield Fisher, Nick Thompson and Ryan Qualter ran themselves ragged. Tom Corner also deserved praise for some great support work up-front.

Extra-time was beckoning when the deadlock was decisively broken. York failed to make a defensive clearance and the ball was pounced upon by Nottingham's striker, who fed the ball to his partner.

Barratt could only watch as he fired a shot which hit the York post and crept in over the goal-line.

It was tough on York who had no time to come back, despite a brave performance, and were devastated to hear the final whistle. It was their first defeat all season both league and cup.