York battle bravely

YORK are dreaming of another League Cup upset after holding Everton to a 1-1 second round draw in the first leg at Goodison Park last night.

The second division side, conquerors of Manchester United at the same stage last season, briefly led through Neil Tolson's 54th-minute goal.

And although Andrei Kanchelskis spared Everton from humiliation with an equaliser three minutes later, Alan Little's battlers survived a late onslaught and Everton face a difficult task in the return leg at Bootham Crescent.

York goalkeeper Andy Warrington performed heroics as Everton pressed for a late goal to give them a slender first-leg lead, saving at Kanchelskis' feet and beating away a downward header from substitute Paul Rideout.

Everton dominated the first-halt but failed to capitalise on a string of chances.

York's determination was typified by two goalline clearances. Graeme Murty hacked clear Kanchelskis' low shot and Gary Himsworth kept out Tony Grant's header.

Duncan Ferguson went close twice, stabbing his shot a foot wide after bursting into the York penalty area and heading over at the far post from. John Ebbrell's cross.

Warrington tipped Gary Speeed's downward header behind for a corner and was grateful when David Unsworth headed straight into his arms from close range.

Indeed, Everton were given cause to regret their missed chances when Tolson, who was signed by Everton boss Joe Royle during his Oldham days put York in front on 54 minutes.

Gary Bull's cushioned lay-off from John Sharples' free kick left Tolson with only Southall to beat and he made no mistake. However, the lead was short lived as Kanchelskis beat Warrington with a 25-yard left-foot drive.