York beat Luton to reclaim League place

Published on 21/05/2012 06:11

YORK’S eight-year exile from the Football League is over after they beat Luton 2-1 in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final at Wembley.

York, relegated in 2004, were beaten finalists two years ago, but went one better yesterday as goals from Ashley Chambers and Matty Blair wiped out Andre Gray’s early goal.

The 30,000-plus Luton fans were celebrating after just 71 seconds when Robbie Willmott slipped in Gray from the left and the striker placed a superb effort into the bottom corner.

But Gary Mills’ men got reward for their total domination in the 26th minute when Chambers rifled in an unstoppable effort from 16 yards.

York needed just 69 seconds of the second half to take the lead for the first time, though it should have been ruled out for offside. Lanre Oyebanjo launched a long throw, Jason Walker flicked on and Blair advanced a yard past the last defender and tucked home.

Gray should have levelled, but from three yards out he inexplicably missed his kick twice and York cleared.