YORK CITY boss Russ Wilcox felt his side produced a fitting tribute to former striker David Longhurst as they overcame the dismissal of Vadaine Oliver to claw back a two-goal deficit and claim a 2-2 draw with Carlisle United.

Saturday’s game at Bootham Crescent marked the 25th anniversary of Longhurst’s death at the ground, in front of the stand that now bears his name.

A moving pre-match tribute saw both sets of players and staff face the David Longhurst Stand while leading a rousing round of applause.

Longhurst’s brother and father attended the game as guests of the club, and watched York fall  behind when Newcastle loanee Alex Gilliead released Tom Miller for a side-footed effort that beat Scott Flinders.

Carlisle doubled their lead shortly before the break, with the York defence failing to clear an effort from Gilliead and Troy Archibald-Henville sweeping home from 12 yards.

Oliver was sent off six minutes into the second half, but York clawed their way back into the game when Luke Summerfield dispatched a 72nd-minute penalty after he had been fouled in the box.

The Minstermen levelled two minutes later, with substitute Josh Carson prodding home Emile Sinclair’s cross from close range.

Wilcox, who played with Longhurst when the pair were together at Northampton Town, said: “It was fitting that all the goals were scored at that end and maybe, when we were losing 2-0 win ten men, he was up there looking down on us.

“I thought it was a great tribute before the game with everybody facing the David Longhurst Stand, and very emotional too. It was brilliant to remember him in that way, and shows what a terrific family club this is.”

York: Flinders; Nolan, Lowe, Winfield, Ilesanmi (Tutonda 72); Penn (Carson 68), Summerfield, Berrett; Thompson (Sinclair 55), Oliver, Turner.