YORK City Futsal came within three minutes of denying Sussex a sixth successive FA Super League win before succumbing 5-3.

Goals by Robbie Bettson, Tom Blackburn and captain Fabinho Almeida also saw the hosts lead 3-2 at the York Sport Arena, after falling behind to a couple of goals in the first four minutes.

York were initially denied an opening goal when Pedras’ ferocious shot, following great work by Almeida, appeared to have crossed the line, having only been partially saved, but play was waved on.

On 14 minutes City did get on the scoresheet, however, when Pedras caused mayhem in the Sussex penalty area and Bettson forced home from close range.

As the game approached half-time, the hosts’ Dutch keeper Martin Michels then saved brilliantly on more than one occasion.

At the other end, Blackburn was similarly denied before he converted smartly from close range to equalise on 23 minutes.

Michels went on to make a fantastic double save before York took the lead just past the half-hour mark with a thunderous Almeida volley from the edge of the penalty area.

Sussex responded by flying their goalkeeper and, for the next three minutes, Junior Roberti’s men didn’t touch the ball and, after defending brilliantly, York succumbed to the pressure as parity was restored.

Two late goals subsequently settled the match in the visitors’ favour.

Elsewhere, Harry Thompson, Ethan Henderson, Kiari Ventura, and Dom Jackson were on target as City’s youth team saw off Farsley Celtic 4-0 in the National League Under-19 Alliance.