York 3 Swansea 1

Last updated : 18 January 2003 By Footymad Previewer

In a game which could have been York City's final one after 80 years, the Minstermen recorded a fully deserved 3-1 victory over bottom club Swansea.

The Welsh side's League status may now be threatened by relegation.

Meanwhile, over 4,500 home fans turned up to support the Minstermen only 48 hours after the club's longer term future seemed brighter following a firm bid to take over the club.

Despite being without a League win on their travels this season and in the process scoring a meagre eight goals, the Swans created most first-half chances.

In the sixth minute ex-York striker John Williams bundled home Michael Howard's cross from close range but was adjudged offside.

York went ahead in the eighth minute with Peter Duffield scoring his 14th of the season from the spot.

Graham Potter's wayward free-kick was nudged forward by Jon Parkin and Michael Reddy was bundled to the ground by defender Alan Tate to earn the penalty.

Parkin headed a James Thomas header off the line, before the visitors equalised in the 13th minute.

Williams’ low firm cross was sliced into his own goal by defender Parkin.

Williams could have put Swansea ahead when he beat the offside trap but slid his shot from 15 yards inches wide.

York struggled to create chances early on but Potter gamely ran between two defenders into the box before his goalbound shot was hoofed clear.

The home side were boosted with a second goal from Duffield five minutes before the break. Parkin's long throw eluded a number of defenders before Duffield nipped in at the near post to head the bouncing ball past Roger Freestone.

After the break on-loan striker Reddy tortured the Swans' defence with his pace, and his superb performance was rewarded with a goal in the 81st minute when he crashed his shot home after latching on to Potter's long ball.

Earlier Reddy hit the side-netting after a mazy run into the box. His pace took him away from defenders to cross for Duffield and then Lee Nogan, who were both unfortunate not to score.

Swansea faded in the second half after Kevin Nugent's 50th minute effort was parried by keeper Alan Fettis on to the bar.