Matt Green and Mark Creighton gave United a late, late win with two goals in the last three minutes as The U's battled back against York. Trailing to a Richard Brodie goal United were indebted to Green and then Creighton as they somehow took all three points and started the season is style.

In brilliant sunshine, their new Nike kit wasn't the only bright new thing as United's new keeper Ryan Clarke made a memorable start with a superb block down to his right as Andy Ferrell shot from no more than eight yards out in the third minute.

York  shaded the first ten minutes as the sides sparred for openings but United gradually started to increase their tempo and the game started to be played more in the visitors half as the U's had their best spell of the match. The new front line of Constable and Midson looked full of running and were always willing to make runs for their own team plus close down any York defenders brave enough to dawdle on the ball.

In midfield it was Dannie Bulman who caught the eye  as the game unfolded, making the ball do the work and constantly hounding opponents, but York were solid in defence and the U's failed to create a real chance in the opening period. York meanwhile had clearly not read the script  and on 34 minutes took the lead through Brodie. A long ball saw him race clear and round Clarke, whose dive forced him wide. Brodie shot, the covering Foster perhaps got a touch to take it on to the post, but the ball went straight back to the striker who did very well to fire into the net under pressure from the recovering Clarke and the up again and covering Foster.

It had been a hesitant first 45 minutes for the U's but the introduction of Alfie Potter at half time, plus a few words from the management, lifted things and they started the second period more on the front foot. Within ten minutes the extra pace of Matt Green had been thrown on and no chances had become half chances as Constable blasted over the bar and then a left wing cross was deflected just wide of his own goal by David McGurk just after the hour.

There was no shortage of effort and willing running but it was just one of those days where nothing fell right until with three minutes left on the clock Green gave his side a priceless lifeline. Green had been lively throughout and as a ball came over the top he outmuscled his defender and reached the ball just before the onrushing keeper Ingham. His touch lifted the ball over the keeper and rolled agonisngly towards the net. A desperate York defender chased it for all he was worth but could only hook it clear from behind the line, and The U's had equalised.

And then, incredibly, they grabbed all three points. A corner, with ninety minutes on the clock and in front of the baying fans created an almighty scramble and when the ball broke there was the giant centre half to smash the ball home and lift the roof as 6,000 United fans cheered their first win, with a mix of relief and enjoyment.

A magnificent result and still plenty more to come from The U's who won without really starting in vintage form. Like a vintage, they will get better...

Att: 6,408

Away: 420

Report by Chris Williams

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