Kingstone Press League One: York City Knights 36 London Skolars 18

London Skolars slipped to a third straight League One defeat, despite leading by 12 points at half-time away to York City Knights.

City led early on when Andy Ellis broke the defensive line, offloading to Tim Spears who got the ball away to Liam Harris.

The rest of the first half belonged to Skolars, however, as Mike Bishay, back from injury after three months out, forced a goal-line drop-out.

Eddie Mbaraga went close, before an inside pass saw Mike Sykes crash over, with Jy-Mel Coleman converting to level the scores.

A deep penalty kick by Coleman set up field position, from which Josh Allison touched down on the right.

In the last minute of the half, a long kick by Charlie Lawrence was just touched by the Knights full-back, with Skolars getting possession from the goal-line drop-out.

Lameck Juma was held up, before Sadiq Abebiyi broke the defence to put Skolars 18-6 up at the break.

York coach James Ford’s half-time talk must have been clear and concise as his players came out a couple of minutes before the match officials and the visiting side.

City soon levelled the score, with Joe Batchelor making the most of a Skolars error to score.

Coleman then put the kick off into touch and Knights took full advantage again, this time with Adam Robinson touching down.

York made another break down the right, but when Saxton kicked the ball straight to Jake Melling, Michael Brown blocked the kickers’ progress and was sin-binned.

London’s defence held out for 10 minutes with only a Harris penalty for York, but when Brown decided to let the ball go dead in goal, Harris was alert and got to it before it rolled out.

Three minutes later Jonny Presley cut through the centre to seal the game for the hosts.

David Foggin-Johnson then went over in the corner with eight minutes remaining and Skolars’ woes continued when Juma was sent off for a high tackle, though Robinson was sin-binned for his retaliation.

London will hope to snap their league losing streak when they entertain Oxford at New River this Saturday.