Heartbreak: Matty Blair scores the winner for York.

Confrence Prem, Play-Off Final:  York City -2 – 1- Luton Town (York City Promoted to npower League 2) Attendance: 39,265

York Goalscorer(s)        Luton Goalscorer(s)

A.Chambers 26′              A.Gray 2′

 M.Blair 47′    

Heartbreak once more for Luton Town, as they lost 2-1 to York City at Wembley yesterday. The Hatters lost on penalties in the final last year to now League 2 team AFC Wimbledon.

At least Luton made the best start they could have hoped for, winger Robbie Willmott released former Hinkley striker Andre Gray to score after just 72 seconds, sparking orange ecstasy! And so Luton, who sold an astonishing 30,00 tickets for the game- more than triple what York sold- were feeling confident ahead of the rest of the game, but understandably nervous. York have been their bogey team over the past few seasons and the reds were confident of repeating this again, where it mattered.

Town’s lead didn’t last long, Ashley Chambers scored to dampen the mood amongst the 30,oo0 loyal hatters in the ground. York were in control for most of the first half.

The second half started brightly for both teams, but after two minutes, Matty Blair nodded in what turned out to be the winning goal. Luton were down, but certainly not out just yet.

The rest of the game was all dominated by Luton- in total they had 21 shots (13 OT) to City’s 10 (7 OT)- but they just couldn’t get a goal, despite many good chances. It looked like it was coming for Luton towards the end of the game, but they just couldn’t break through, and were condemned to another year in non-league football. But for York City, it was a fantastic acheivement, and when it comes down to it, they were just more clinical in front of goal, which is essentially where it matters most.

City’s manager repeated ‘We’re a football league team’ three times after the game ‘Doesn’t it sound great?’ he said. They will join champions Fleetwood town- who Luton beat 2-0 on the last day of the season to seal their play-off place- in npower League 2. Macclesfield and Hereford will join Luton, Wrexham and co. in the Blue Sq. Bet Premier.

The way I see it, the only way Luton can go up is to win the league, but with Wrexham, Mansfield, plus the relegated teams hunting that same goal, it will be very hard for the Hatters. We have got to the play-off final 2 years in a row, and lost both. I am confident that if we keep out best players like Stuart Fleetwood, out manager Paul Buckle can lead us to promotion next year.

Unlucky guys, focus now on finishing champions next year!