The first post-bubble CPL match was a celebration at York Lions Stadium, but Forge FC spoiled York United’s party on Friday night by defeating their 905 Derby rivals 1-0.

York entered their home opener with a fairly similar lineup to what they’ve deployed in recent weeks, Lowell Wright leading the line up front with a backline centred by Dominick Zator and Jordan Wilson and Nathan Ingham in goal. Forge, meanwhile, kept with the 3-4-3 formation that’s worked for them in recent contests as Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson dropped in the the middle of their back three.

The reigning champions got off the mark early in front of the York crowd, as Kwame Awuah burst into space on the left flank and floated in a good cross to an unmarked Mo Babouli, who took a deft touch at the crest of the six-yard box before slotting it coolly past Ingham for an opening goal in the fourth minute.

Down a goal, York grew into the game as the first half wore on, attempting to play forward quickly through Max Ferrari or Diyaeddine Abzi, but they couldn’t quite get past the well-drilled back three of Forge, who stood firm near the top of the 18-yard box.

After several waves of York possession, though, Forge eventually sprung a counter-attack not long before halftime. Played in all alone on goal, Tristan Borges appeared set for a one-on-one chance at the goalkeeper, but chasing defender Zator clipped his heel and Borges went down just at the top of the box. Referee Yusri Rudolf showed Zator a red card for denying the goalscoring opportunity, putting the trailing York on 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Forced to adapt, York gaffer Jimmy Brennan brought on Michael Petrasso at halftime in place of Cedric Toussaint for a more attacking option. Despite being down a man, the Nine Stripes imposed themselves well on their local rivals, pressing forward for at least the first 25 to 30 minutes of the second frame. They mustered a few good opportunities, with Petrasso and Ferrari bringing some quality to the attack, but ultimately they weren’t able to solve a comfortable Forge defence.

BOX SCORE

Goals

4′ — Mo Babouli (Forge FC)

Discipline

6′ — Yellow: Jonathan Grant (Forge FC)
19′ — Yellow: Cedric Toussaint (York United)
41′ — Red: Dominick Zator (York United)
57′ — Yellow: Noah Verhoeven (York United)
79′ — Yellow: Tristan Borges (Forge FC)
83′ — Yellow: Diyaeddine Abzi (York United)
83′ — Yellow: Triston Henry (Forge FC)