York City hit the national headlines with a stunning cup upset at Old Trafford by thumping future double winners Manchester United in front of their own fans.
City went into the game second from bottom of Division Two (League One) having won only one league game all season, a lucky 1-0 victory at Swansea City courtesy of an own goal. Manchester United, on the other hand, were joint leaders of the Premiership and, although Alex Ferguson including some of his less experienced younger players, United still fielded a formidable side.
With Old Trafford full but at a reduced capacity due to ongoing stand reconstruction, City started brightly and quickly got into the game. Midfielders Scott Jordan and Nigel Pepper both came close with shots while, at the other end, keeper Dean Kiely tipped over an effort from veteran striker Brian McClair.
On 24th minutes the first shockwaves rang around the famous old ground, when Graeme Murty dispossessed Phil Neville with a great tackle to feed striker Paul Barnes. Barnes looked up and hit an effort from 25 yards that took a slight deflection, completely wrongfooting Kevin Pilkington in the United goal.
A shellshocked United fought back and it was McClair again causing problems before the interval, but the Premiership stars couldn’t find a way through.
In the second period, shock to the horror and delight turned into ecstacy for the travelling York fans as City raced into a 3-0 lead with two further goals scored in eight minutes.
In the 51st minutes, Barnes raced through United’s defence and was fouled by young Pat McGibbon. The referee awarded a penalty and sent off the defender, Barnes scoring from the spot. Two minutes later, Nigel Pepper swung in a pinpoint free-kick right onto the head of Tony Barras and, with Pilkington in no man’s land, the ball flew into the net for City’s third.
Paul Barnes found the net again but was incorrectly judged offside and, at the other end, the City man cleared a Steve Bruce effort off the line. City were then reduced to ten men when substitute Paul Baker was dismissed for two quick bookings, but City put in a superb team effort to keep a clean sheet.
In the second leg, United brought back their big guns including the likes of Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel but it wasn’t enough to claw back the deficit, York going through 4-3 on aggregate for a stunning success.
York City: Kiely, McMillan, Tutill, Barras, Hall, Williams, Pepper, Jordan, Murty, Peverell (Baker), Barnes (Atkin).
Attendance: 29,049
Footage from ITV Sport
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