YORK CITY completed an unwanted hat-trick as Marc Richards’ stoppage-time free-kick earned Northampton Town a 1-1 draw at Bootham Crescent.

The Minstermen have now conceded three stoppage-time goals in the space of a week, with Richards’ strike following a 94th-minute equaliser to Tranmere Rovers on the opening day of the season and a 91st-minute winner for Doncaster Rovers in the Capital One Cup.

Boss Nigel Worthington is understandably frustrated at his side’s late failings, with Saturday’s concession proving especially annoying after York had dominated for the majority of the game.

“You can live with a goal or an equaliser in the last two minutes once,” said Worthington. “It’s hard to take a second time. But three times in a week, it’s not right.

“We need to look at the concentration. Performance wise, positive thinking and attitude, I can’t fault the players. Their performance level over the first three games has been exceptional.”

York claimed the lead when Anthony Straker’s corner evaded a host of players and went straight into the net, but Lindon Meikle passed up a golden opportunity to secure all three points when he shot straight at Matt Duke despite having been offered a clear run on goal.

York: Mooney; Ilesanmi, Lowe, McCombe, McCoy; Platt, Straker, Penn, Meikle; Coulson, Hyde (Fletcher 71).