Tranmere 1 York City 1: Worthington hoping York will learn lesson

YORK CITY manager Nigel Worthington remained upbeat despite seeing his battling side pegged back by a late equaliser on the opening day of the League Two season.
York City's manager Nigel WorthingtonYork City's manager Nigel Worthington
York City's manager Nigel Worthington

Against a side just relegated from League One, it was looking as though the Minstermen were going to leave Prenton Park with maximum points after Keith Lowe’s headed opener midway through the second half.

However, Rovers struck to level through substitute James Rowe in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

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Despite the late goal, Worthington was still keen to salute his side, who reached the play-offs last season.

The former Northern Ireland boss said: “We were disappointed to concede a goal so late in the game. But we would probably have taken a point from the game considering Tranmere are only just down from League One. When you are so close to three points and are forced to settle for one it is frustrating, but that’s life, that’s football for you.

“There were a lot of positives for us to take from the game, but maybe we need to learn to manage it a bit better and see it through to the final whistle.”

After a goalless first half in the first League meeting between these two since 1989, the visitors sept in front when Lowe planted a firm header into goal from Lindon Meikle’s corner-kick.

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However, deep into added time substitute Lowe latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the York area before smashing home clinically to level matters.

Tranmere Rovers: Fon Williams, Holmes, Ihiekwe, Holness, Koumas (Baggie 71), Richards (Odejayi 79), Laird, Power (Rowe 62), Kirby, Stockton, Woodards. Unused substitutes: Pilling, McDonald, Gill, Hill.

York City: Mooney, McCoy, Ilesnanmi, McCombe, Coulson (Montrose 90), Penn, Jarvis (Hirst 71), Straker (Summerfield 78), Lowe, Platt, Meikle. Unused substitutes: Ingham, Parslow, Winfield, Murray.

Referee: Kevin Johnson (Somerset).

Man of the match: Michael Coulson.