York City 0 Cambridge 0: Naisbitt ends York’s play-off aspirations

York went into the game knowing it was a must-win situation if they were to have any hope of a play-off place but with fellow promotion-hopefuls Fleetwood Town beating Barrow, York must now face their eighth successive season in the fifth tier of the Blue Square Bet Premier as Fleetwood join Wrexham, Luton Town and AFC Wimbledon in contesting the play-offs.

York were the better side but the visitors defended stoutly and limited the Minstermen’s chances mainly to long-range efforts.

When York did hit the target Naisbitt pulled off fine saves to deny Ashley Chambers and Andre Boucaud in the first half and from Michael Rankine 10 minutes from time.

York had few worries in defence where left-backs James Meredith and Jamal Fyfield, operating in the centre of defence, had outstanding games.

Mills said: “We didn’t create too much in the box in a top game although we were the better side. When I came in October we were in the bottom four so I have got to be pleased with what has happened since.

“We have come very near to the play-offs and kept a lot of clean sheets.

“The only thing that has let us down is the lack of goals.”

York City: Ingham; Darville, Meredith, Fyfield, Carruthers; J Smith (Till 46), Barrett (Mackin 71), Boucaud; Reed (Rankine 65), Constantine, Chambers. Unused substitutes: Young, Hatfield

Cambridge United: Naisbitt; Roberts, Colson, Saah, Jennings; Patrick, McAuley, Platt (Ives 71), Sinclair; Hughes (Marriott 78), Wright. Unused substitutes: Coakley, Hudson, Brown.

Referee: W Khatib (Sunderland).