Matches

MATCH REPORT VS YORK CITY by Carol Smith-Allen

York City might feel that Grays, having given a slightly below par performance were a little fortunate to have emerged from yesterday?s match with a point. In fairness to Blues though, their dogged determination when trailing against a reputable and quality side that had clearly done their homework, earned them a share of the spoils.

The Minstermen started the brighter of the two sides and almost opened the scoring in the first minute of play but striker Clayton Donaldson was denied by Bayes. Blues immediately took the ball to the other end but Glenn Poole?s twenty-five yard shot was tipped over the bar by York keeper Chris Porter.

On eleven minutes the gangly Donaldson whose pace proved to be a problem for Blues raced through on goal but excellent work by John Nutter inches from the by-line, forced the striker into putting the ball out of play. Two minutes later a Darren Dunning corner was then flicked on by David McGurk but easily caught by Bayes.

Blues were now beginning to make more of an impact, as a result of which John Martin had a shot blocked by the York defence, and although Gary Hooper followed up his effort was deflected for a corner by Porter.

Play continued to ebb and flow, and around the twenty minute mark Blues came agonizingly close when good interplay by Battersby and Hooper set up the agile Martin but the midfielder?s close range shot skimmed just wide of the post. It was so close in fact that many fans thought the ball was in the back of the net!

Chances then fell to Oli and Dunning but both sent their shots wide, and subsequently Oli making a great run was impeded by the York Captain Mark Hotte who was yellow-carded accordingly.

In the 37th minute York who had shaded the first half, preventing Blues from attacking down the flanks appeared to have taken the lead, but former Bury striker Joe O?Neil?s goal was disallowed for offside, and as the interval approached Jamie Stuart was booked for a foul on the impressive Donaldson.

Incredibly, with both teams having created clear cut chances and both their respective defences looking dubious at times it was surprising that after forty-five minutes neither side had managed to break the deadlock.

The second half started with the visitors in control, and with Donaldson looking particularly dangerous. The first shot from the ex-Hull City striker was captured by Bayes, and three minutes later the Grays keeper was called into action again this time pulling out all the stops to tip Donaldson?s cross-shot over the bar and out for a corner ? brilliant save! The Minstermen?s fans occupying the Bradbourne Road end of the New Rec were now noisier than ever.

On fifty-nine minutes Grays Manager Mark Stimson made a well-timed change bringing on Jamie Slabber for Hooper, but within minutes Referee Mr. Phillips was brandishing his yellow card at Slabber for an impulsive challenge on Hotte.

In between York had made their first substitution which was to prove significant, bringing on Andy Bishop for Danny Mansaram.

The visitors continued to pressurize Blues and in the 68th minute it bore fruit. A three man move involving Dunning, Donaldson and Nathan Peat set up the recently introduced Bishop, who in amongst the static Grays defence was able to poke the ball past the despairing Bayes. It really was all singing, all dancing for the travelling fans now!

Grays immediately looked for a reply whereas York seemed content with their one goal advantage; a favourable option from Blues? perspective. Battersby?s glancing header from a Thurgood corner went just wide, and Slabber directed a shot over the bar.

Blues then made their second substitution replacing Battersby with Michael Kightly, and shortly afterwards came close to drawing level but Porter produced a fine save to deny Oli.

Grays continued to push forward with Oli again being thwarted by the York keeper as was Nutter, who was having an exceptional game, but just when it looked like the Minstermen had achieved their second away win in a week Blues tenacity paid dividends. A careless challenge by Hotte in the box on the lively Slabber resulted in Grays justifiably being awarded a penalty. The York skipper?s name went into the Referee?s little black book for the second time and consequently he left the field of play whilst Grays captain Stuart Thurgood, with so much hinging on him stepped up to take the spot kick. Remaining calm and confident the Grays linchpin powerfully despatched the ball past Porter, and simultaneously the home fans erupted in sheer delight.

After the match Mark Stimson commented ?You can see the history of that club is phenomenal, and the noise their fans made makes you realise who you are playing. We didn?t play particularly well today, but the opposition did not allow us to - York will cause a few problems to teams.?

He also said ?they seemed to be happy with a one nil lead, perhaps they thought they had done enough, but we kept plugging away but couldn?t quite get that goal. Jamie looked lively and it was a well taken penalty from the skipper. There was good spirit from the boys credit to them they kept going.?

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Bayes, Sambrook, Stuart, Matthews, Nutter, Thurgood, Hooper (59 Slabber), Martin, Poole, Battersby (79 Kightly), Oli Subs Not Used:- Brennan, Eyre, Bruce

Booked:- Stuart, Slabber

York City:- Porter, Price, Hotte, McGurk, Peat, Donaldson, Convery, Panther, Dunning, Mansaram (63 Bishop), O'Neill (90 Merris) Subs Not Used:- Stewart, Malton, Afandjyev

Booked:- Hotte, Bishop

Sent Off:- Hotte

Referee:- Mr. D. Phillips

Attendance:- 1,272

Supporters Man Of The Match:- John Nutter

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