Returning Minstermen Hamza Bencherif and Kaine Felix showed the York faithful what they were missing as their two goals secured a second festive win that put a dent in York’s promotion hopes.

Fielding the same starting eleven for the third successive game Bencherif opened the scoring after just four minutes when he powered home a header from Aram Soleman’s cross after a Guiseley corner had been cleared and Soleman swung it in to the far post for the unmarked former City player to apply the finish.

The lead lasted just ten minutes though courtesy of Kieran Green who took two defenders with him as he drifted out left before shooting across Marcus Dewhurst into the far corner to level matters from just inside the area.

The Lions however, remained a threat utilising the pace of Chris Sang, Soleman and Brad Nicholson to good advantage to force a succession of corners which all came to nought.

At the other end Sean Newton unleashed a powerful left-footed shot which Dewhurst was equal to before the keeper then parried away an equally powerful low delivery from David Ferguson to keep the score all square at the break

Clearly the Boxing Day victory over Farsley had given the Lions a much-needed boost in confidence and as they continued to match their full time opponents blow-for-blow with the Minstermen struggling to create any meaningful openings much to the frustration of the home fans.

Adriano Moke urged the home fans to make some noise as the game approached the last quarter and York mounted a concerted effort to grab the winner but with chances at a premium due to the visitors solid defending the game looked to be heading for a draw.

Clearly not having read the script and with two minutes left on the clock, Felix picked up a loose ball from an attempted clearance in the opposition penalty area and curled a sweet shot beyond Peter Jameson  into the far corner much to the delight of the travelling fans penned in the corner of the spacious away section behind the City goal.

And despite much huffing and puffing from the home side the result was never looked in doubt York went down to their second successive home defeat.

This was also the last visit to Bootham Crescent for Guiseley due to York’s impending move to the new Community Stadium at Monks Cross so what better way for the Lions to sign off at the historic venue?

Attendance: 3136 including 216 away supporters

Team:

1. Marcus Dewhurst
2. Reiss McNally
3. Brad Nicholson
4. Andrai Jones
5. Hamza Bencherif
6. Kennedy Digie
7. Kaine Felix
8. George Cantrill
9. Chris Sang (Lee Shaw 77)
10. Aram Soleman
11. Gabriel Johnson (Dylan Barkers 92)

Subs:

12. Scott Smith
14. Dylan Barkers
15. Lee Shaw
16. Paul Clayton
17. Nathan Newall