York City 1 Stevenage Boro 1 Boro were denied a fifth consecutive victory on the road thanks to an injury time equaliser from Djoumin Sangare at The KitKat Crescent. The defender, who had performed well all afternoon, struck with a fine header just when

York City 1 Stevenage Boro 1

Boro were denied a fifth consecutive victory on the road thanks to an injury time equaliser from Djoumin Sangare at The KitKat Crescent.

The defender, who had performed well all afternoon, struck with a fine header just when it looked like Graham Westley's men had done enough to secure three points thanks to a first half own goal from Danny Parslow.

But in the cold light of day Boro will look back upon this match as a well earned point away at a side that is also likely to be in the promotion mix this season.

Martin Foyle's men were unrecognisable from the side that capitulated against Boro in the Trophy final while Boro once again had to do without the likes of regular first teamers Lawrie Wilson, Jon Ashton, David Bridges and Ronnie Henry through injury.

Westley's men did however make the more impressive start in the blustery conditions with Mitchell Cole looking a menace down the left flank thanks to his searing pace.

York full back James Meredith knew he was in for a difficult afternoon against the former Grays man but it was Andy Drury who came closest to breaking the deadlock early on but his curling effort flew just wide of Michael Ingham's post.

Boro assistant coach Dino Maamria was sent to the stands soon afterwards after a confrontation with York assistant boss Andy Porter but Boro didn't let it affect their attacking rhythm and in the 32nd minute they deservedly took the lead.

Drury's swirling corner caused havoc in the City penalty area and Parslow was the unfortunate party when he headed past his own goalkeeper.

It looked like Boro had doubled their lead just before the break when Charlie Griffin pulled the ball back for Cole to nudge home from close range but the referee's assistant had raised his flag to the frustration of the Stevenage travelling contingent.

Drury was the next to go close when, at the start of the second half, the 25-year-old's drive looked to be destined for the back of the net before Ingham produced a fantastic save to keep his side within touching distance.

But, with the wind at their backs, the Minstermen gradually grew into the game and they should have been level when Andy Ferrell fired across the Boro penalty area but no City play was there to apply the finishing touch.

Substitute Alex Lawless almost made an instant impact with a long range effort which was deflected just over the bar by Griffin as Boro dropped deeper and deeper to try and preserve their advantage.

Odubade replaced Cole in the 75th minute and the former Oxford man had a golden opportunity to seal all three points when he sprung the offside trap but, just when he was about to pull the trigger, a fantastic last-ditch challenge from Sangare kept his side in the game.

And Sangare completed the recovery in the second minute of injury when he rose highest to head home Neil Barrett's corner and send the York faithful into raptures.

York City (4-4-2): Ingham, Purkiss, Sangare, Parslow, Meredith, Smith, Mackin (Carruthers 76), Barrett, Ferrell (Lawless 76), Brodie, Gash (Rankine 23). Subs not used: McGurk, Pacquette

Boro (4-4-2): Day, Brough, Roberts, Bostwick, Laird, Drury (Odhiambo 70), Byrom, Murphy, Cole (Odubade 75), Beardsley (Albrighton 82), Griffin. Subs not used: Bayes, Vincenti

Referee: M Naylor (Sheffield)

Attendance: 2,644 (137 Stevenage)