York City banished their Grosvenor Vale hoodoo with a convincing 2-0 victory over Wealdstone, a result that lifts them to fourth in the National League table. The Minstermen’s dominance began early, culminating in a 12th-minute opener. A flowing passing move carved open the Wealdstone defence, allowing Daniel Batty to find Ashley Nathaniel-George, who coolly slotted the ball past the home goalkeeper. Wealdstone attempted to muster a response, but their attacks lacked the necessary precision to trouble the York backline. Midway through the first half, both sides made substitutions seemingly designed to reshape their midfield battles. Sam Ashford made way for Callum McFarlane for the hosts, while York introduced Malachi Fagan-Walcott in place of Darragh O’Connor.
York maintained their ascendancy after the break and their continued pressure yielded a second goal in the 52nd minute. Ollie Pearce extended the Minstermen’s lead, further compounding Wealdstone’s woes. Two goals down, the home side made further changes, bringing on fresh legs in both attack and defence in an attempt to find a route back into the game. However, York’s defence remained resolute, repelling Wealdstone’s advances. Despite a late flurry of activity and several more substitutions from both teams, the Stones couldn’t breach the visitors’ defence. York comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, securing a valuable three points that reverses their recent fortunes against Wealdstone, who had won the previous four encounters. The defeat leaves Wealdstone languishing in 22nd place.