A snap drop goal by Goole stand-off James Ruhmann in the final minute of a scrappy encounter at Clifton Park saw York plunge to a 13-12 North East One defeat at Clifton Park.

Not only did York forfeit their unbeaten home record but they lost ground in the league relegation battle.

They only had themselves to blame after failing to stamp any real authority on a game they led 12-3 at half-time.

While the forwards more than held their own in most phases of play, there was a distinct lack of cohesion in the backs with the wingers being mere spectators for most of the afternoon.

York's tackling could not be faulted but they will be bitterly disappointed at scoring two tries to one and ending up on the losing side.

Fly-half Ruhmann, the Goole skipper, dictated play for the visitors and slotted them ahead with a 15th minute penalty.

Goole looked the more progressive outfit in the early stages and it was not until Ed Bennison broke down centre field and gained support from Sean Bass that York looked dangerous.

That break was followed by an 'up and under' by stand-off Simon Bullough as York started to gain the initiative.

Goole were subsequently penalised from the scrum and No 8 Ian Davies was unstoppable from five metres out, Bullough adding the conversion.

Further York pressure brought another York penalty close to the Goole line and from the tap kick Matt Halifax dived over for an unconverted try to give York a 12-3 half-time advantage.

Within 10 minutes of the restart Goole reduced the arrears to two points. A York handling error in the 22 metre area cost possession and a superbly judged cross-field kick by Ruhmann bounced awkwardly for the York defence and Brian Cooke scooped up the ball, despite York appeals for a knock-on and crossed the try-line. Ruhmann converted .

York stepped up a gear in the final quarter and points were there for the taking as they camped on the visitors' line, but slack ball control and a lack of certainty about the options let Goole off the hook.

Goole moved up field and well into injury time Goole gained vital possession at a line up and Ruhmann, who had already missed with two drop goal attempts, made no mistake this time as he sent the ball between the sticks to give his side a last-gasp 13-12 win.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.