WE'VE MET BEFORE: A night of penalty woe for Bantams at York

To launch a new series called “We’ve Met Before”, we look back at two recent encounters with the Minstermen at their previous Bootham Crescent home.

AUGUST 2015: York 2 City 2 (York won 4-2 on penalties)

It was the night that ended an incredible run of spot-kick success for the Bantams – and featured one of the most spectacular misses.

City had prided themselves on their record from penalties and even claimed an unverified world record for winning nine straight shoot-outs.

Those famously included the scalps of Premier League duo Wigan and Arsenal in the Capital One Cup journey to Wembley three seasons early.

But that impressive run came crashing to an end in the first round of the same competition at Bootham Crescent as York claimed their first victory over City for 35 years.

Josh Carson kept his nerve to slot the deciding kick as the home side clinched the penalty climax 4-2 after two hours of football had finished in a 2-2 stalemate.

City missed twice from the spot through Chris Routis and Tony McMahon – and three overall.

It was the fluffed penalty from Alan Sheehan during normal time that had arguably the biggest impact on the contest and remains by far the abiding memory of the night.

The Irishman got underneath his shot which flew high and well over the bar – and sparked jokes across social media that the ball was last seen heading for the Moon!

But it was no laughing matter for Phil Parkinson on an embarrassing evening for his side.

Even with a much-changed line-up, they had the chances to put the tie to bed well before its dramatic conclusion.

Vadaine Oliver, now City’s newest recruit, had an early chance after a McMahon mistake but it was the visitors who struck the first blow in emphatic fashion.

Sheehan was the provider with a free-kick towards the far post where the unmarked Routis launches into an acrobatic volley which flew past keeper Scott Flinders.

The Frenchman then almost repeated the trick from a McMahon set-piece but sent his side-foot effort just wide.

City, cheered on by a 2,006-strong travelling support, should have had more from a comfortable first half – and paid the price from a soft penalty.

Luke Summerfield sent Ben Williams the wrong way after Reece Thompson had gone down easily under Gary Liddle’s challenge. York’s radar from 12 yards would prove spot on.

Billy Clarke then sent Steve Davies through and he was caught from behind in the home box. But Sheehan’s horrible attempt from the spot took the lunar route.

Boosted by that escape, York thought they had won it when Rory McArdle fouled Luke Summerfield inside the D and James Berrett curled the free-kick over the wall and beyond the diving Williams.

But City rescued it in the fourth minute of stoppages when sub James Hanson latched onto a low Routis cross to fire into the bottom corner.

Hanson headed just wide in extra-time before the game went the distance to penalties – and York had the moment they’d been waiting for.

Parkinson argued against taking the penalties at the home end because fans were shining their mobiles to try to put off the City players.

But there was no bothering the home takers who all proved spot on to seal a memorable triumph.

MARCH 2013: York 0 City 2

It was a week on from Wembley and City were quickly coming back down to earth.

After the cup final mauling by Swansea, Parkinson’s men had to clear their heads quickly to revive the League Two play-off challenge.

An unconvincing home draw against Dagenham three days earlier had suggested a Wembley hangover – they could not afford another slip-up at struggling York.

The first half was a poor affair with York wasting the best opportunity as Jason Walker rounded keeper Jon McLaughlin before getting off a weak shot that was easily kicked off the line by Carl McHugh.

Then McLaughlin had to be alert right on the break to tip away Andrew Davies’ misdirected header and prevent an own goal.

But the Bantams began to take a grip as Kyel Reid’s long-range blast was beaten away by home stopper Michael Ingham.

They upped the pressure in the final quarter – and were rewarded with the breakthrough when Hanson stole in front of Chris Smith to meet Stephen Darby’s cross. His header squirmed between Ingham’s legs and over the line.

McLaughlin saved from a speculative 25-yarder from York sub Michael Rankine before Bantams replacement Garry Thompson made the game safe with a deadly counter-attack on 86 minutes.

Michael Nelson won the ball near his own corner flag and then booted it long upfield. Jack O’Connell misjudged its flight and Thompson seized the opportunity run clear on goal and slot past the advancing Ingham from 10 yards.