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Swansea keeper Roger Freestone earned his a side a point – following a goalless draw at York – with a superb display after both teams went down to 10 men midway through the first half.
Swansea’s top-scorer Lee Trundle and York defender Richard Hope were given their marching orders for grappling on the ground.
Freestone denied Darren Edmonson and Lee Bullock early on and made a breathtaking save to keep out John Shaw’s drive after half an hour.
The visitors lacked punch, but Andy Robinson’s curled free-kick was clawed away by Mark Ovendale just before the break.
Freestone came to the rescue in the second minute of stoppage time, diving full stretch to keep out Bullock’s shot which was heading into the bottom corner.
Pink Football
Despite nine efforts on target York again failed to find the back of the net and had to settle for a point in a goalless draw with Swansea at Bootham Crescent. The visitors certainly owed a lot to a fine goalkeeping performance from Roger Freestone. On the back of a six game unbeaten league run, York started brightly and confidently. With only 30 seconds on the clock captain Darren Edmondson cut in from the right flank and his shot from 15 yards was blocked by Freestones’ legs. A minute later Bullock, who is attracting the attention of a number of clubs, hooked a right-footed effort from the edge of the box bringing another fine early save from Freestone. The highly rated Swans striker Trundle showed his skill with a mazy run into the York area, but he was eventually crowded out. As Trundle and York defender Richard Hope fell to the ground the pair appeared to clash and that triggered a 20-player melee. Eventually Trundle and Hope were both sent off and had to be escorted separately from the pitch as the situation threatened to boil over once again. York dominated the opening half, playing some quality football. Stephen Brackstone’s curling pass into the box was intercepted by Izzy Iriekpen, but his clearence spun backwards and almost ended up in his own net. On loan striker Shaw showed great skill, running 30 yards, before firing in a goal bound shot which Freestone brilliantly palmed round the post. Dave Merris’ adventurous run to the by-line ended with him laying the ball back into the path of Bullock. The young midfielder slid in and connected, but his effort from close range failed to pass Freestone who spread himself to make another vital save. The visitors’ best chance of the first half came when Andy Robinson’s 25-yard free-kick travelled over the wall but Mark Ovendale flung himself to his right to push it over the bar. The second half was, in the main, a tepid affair with little to excite the crowd until the closing moments. Swansea enjoyed possession early on and the lively Briton saw his shot from 15 yards saved by the outstretched leg of Ovendale, while Swans midfielder Lenny Johnrose could consider himself fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a dangerous lunge on Nogan from behind. The second half excitement was reserved till the closing five minutes. In that time Swansea had two quick counter attacks which York blocked on both occasions. At the other end, York earned three quick corners and, from the latter, defender Smith saw his header cleared of the line. Then in the closing seconds it was Freestone again who saved a shot from Bullock.
