There wasn't a great deal wrong with the Poppies' performance as they worked their socks off against a solid York side.
But a lack of punch in front of goal proved so costly once again.
The Poppies started very brightly and they were desperatel
y unlucky not to go in front after just four minutes.
Kwesi Appiah blasted an effort over the bar and from the resulting corner, which was bizarrely awarded by referee Richard Wigglesworth, James Jennings' cross was headed back by Alton Thelwell and Ian Roper saw his headed brilliantly clawed away by visiting goalkeeper Michael Ingham.
And it was Roper who made an uncharacteristic error to allow York to go in front on 15 minutes.
The defender missed a ball back into the box and it left former Rushden & Diamonds man Rankine with the easy task of firing past Nathan Abbey.
The Poppies continued to look a threat after that setback and James Dance, who was impressive in his new role as a striker, forced Ingham into another save before Marcus Kelly fired into the side-netting.
The second half livened up with a 21-man brawl after Jordan Hadfield had tangled with Alex Lawless and once order had been restored both players earned a booking.
Rankine was substituted as he threatened to earn a second booking in the physical battle with the Kettering defence and the Poppies almost drew level when Ingham held on to substitute Anthony Robinson's cheeky back-heel.
Appiah shot wide after a decent passing move and Lee Harper three Greg Taylor on as a third striker as the hosts went in search for an equaliser.
They huffed and puffed but York stayed solid at the back to snuff out the threat.
Poppies: Abbey; Thelwell, Dempster, Roper, Jennings; Wrack (sub Robinson, 62 mins), Hadfield, Noubissie (sub Boucaud, 62 mins), Kelly (sub Taylor, 78 mins); Dance, Appiah. Subs not used: Thomas, Cooper.
York: Ingham; Parslow, McGurk, Graham, Meredith; Purkiss, Lawless (sub Barrett, 90 mins), Mackin, Carruthers (sub Gash, 86 mins); Rankine (sub Sangare, 66 mins), Brodie. Subs not used: Clarke, Pitt.
Referee: Richard Wigglesworth
Goal: Rankine (15 mins, 0-1).
Bookings: Roper, Rankine, Jennings, Dance, Dempster (all fouls), Hadfield, Lawless (both ungentlemanly conduct).
Attendance: 1,375 (away fans 307)
