Match programme: York City v Lincoln City (8 September 1990)

About this match programme

By Richard Snowball

The most tragic and saddest match in the history of York City happened on September 8, 1990, against Lincoln City, when York striker David Longhurst collapsed on the pitch and died.

The match was abandoned. He was only 25 years of age.

David had only signed for York the previous season in January 1990 from Peterborough for a fee of ÂŁ30,000. He immediately struck form, scoring two goals in his four matches.

Four games later, he died.

York's next match on Saturday September 15, 1990 was postponed and a Memorial Service took place at Bootham Crescent at 3.00 p.m.

A David Longhurst Memorial Fund was set up and donations were put towards the Shipton Street Roof Appeal.

This was completed the following summer and named the David Longhurst Stand.

The stand was officially opened by David's father, Vic, before an exhibition match against Leeds United on October 14, 1991.

The re-arranged match with Lincoln City was played on February 26, 1991, when York won 1-0 with a goal from Iain Dunn.

By a twist of fate, Lincoln City had also been the opponents five years earlier on the occurrence of the Bradford City fire when 56 fans died and 265 were injured.

Acknowledgement

This facsimile of the match programme was created by the publisher of There’s Only One Arthur Bottom, the daily email newsletter for fans of York City FC, and TOOAB contributors Richard Snowball, Terry Espiner and Paul Bowser.

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