EFL Cup REVIEW 3 Aug 2026: Crawley Stun Lindsey's York City 2-0 on Carabao Cup Return

York City's first competitive fixture back in the Football League ended in defeat, Crawley Town winning 0-2 at the York Community Stadium in the Carabao Cup preliminary round on Monday evening. Gianmarco Di Biase opened the scoring when he steered home a Kellan Gordon cross across the box, and Danilo Orsi added a second from the penalty spot with four minutes to go after Zak Johnson was penalised for a late challenge. York hit the frame of the goal through Zech Medley's header, and goalkeeper Alfie McNally made a string of saves to keep the score down, including a diving stop to deny Malcolm Ebiowei moments after Crawley's opener. Attendance was 4,788, including 192 away supporters.

The result was an awkward start for Scott Lindsey, who took his first training session at York only days after being appointed to replace the sacked Stuart Maynard, and found his new side facing the club he had managed for the previous two seasons before leaving for MK Dons in September 2024. It was Crawley, now under Colin Kazim-Richards after surviving relegation from League Two last season, who prevailed on the night. It was the first meeting between the two clubs since 2015-16, when Crawley drew 2-2 at York's old Bootham Crescent ground.

Crawley progress to a first-round tie away at Watford on 8 August, while York's return to League Two after a decade away begins at home to Bristol Rovers on 15 August.