Pools Reserves were made to work hard for the points in their Pontins Holidays League clash with York City at Billingham Town.

Ian Butterworth continued the policy of naming a young Reserve side and once again Micky Barron was the experienced head in an otherwise youthful line-up.

And the young Pools stars had to survive some early scares from City; Arran Lee-Barrettsaving well from Alex Rhodes and Nicky Wroe early on.

Matty Tymon saw a shot saved at the other end before Lee-Barrett was back in action with another fine stop from Beardsley.

After the determined Michael Rae won possession on the halfway line, he fed it over the top for Tymon who was denied again by Josh Mimms in the York goal.

Martin Young also stung the palms of City's stopper with an effort from the edge of the box but the breakthrough eventually arrived just after the half hour mark.

Rae took full advantage of hesitation in the York defence and slid in ahead of the advancing keeper to stab home from the edge of the box.

A real rollicking at half time sent City in to the second period with a full head of steam and they made Pools pay just eight minutes after the restart.

Rhodes shot at goal but saw his effort blocked. It fell to Beardsley who picked out Liam Shepherd at the far side of the penalty area and he slotted it home.

From then on it looked as if City would go on and nick the points with Beardsley in particular causing problems for the Pools rearguard.

However, with just thirteen minutes remaining Rae again got in behind the York defence and took full advantage with a calm low finish in to the net.

Tymon - who has been prolific for the Youth Team this season - then began a personal crusade on the visitors defence but was somehow denied on four occasions.

He hit the side netting after a twist in to space on the edge of the area, then headed wide from eight yards out before volleying another effort wide. When he finally did find the net, the unfortunate teenager's celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

In the end though, Pools clung on to their 2-1 advantage and were just about worthy winners in a closely-fought encounter.

Full Time: Pools 2 York City 1