Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

A problem with York?s drainage system nearly caused the match to be called off. A large rectangular area, between the penalty box and the touchline, had to be heavily sanded before referee Mr. M. Matadar agreed to allow the game to go ahead, albeit after two pitch inspections.

Grays gave league debuts to defenders, Brett Johnson, Andy Edwards and Christian Hanson, so it was no surprise that the Blues took time to settle. The hosts attacked with great verve and no little skill and in the 4th minute a flick by Clayton Donaldson was spectacularly volleyed in by Scot, Joe O?Neill. Then a shot by Donaldson was brilliantly saved by Ashley Bayes, who dived full-length to scoop the ball away. York were now in full flow and it took some last-ditch tackling, particularly from the resolute Andy Sambrook, to deny them. But with the Blues? inspirational skipper, Stuart Thurgood, leading from the front, Grays began to claw their way back into the match. Aaron McLean was booked after a clash with York defender, Darren Craddock and was roundly booed for the rest of the match by the home fans. It certainly did not seem to bother him because in the 29th minute, Thurgood?s corner kick somehow found its way through to the in-form McLean who stooped to head in from close-range.

Tcham N?Toya, on loan from Chesterfield, was the provider seconds into the 2nd half when he cleverly put in Mark Convery whose shot was beaten away by Bayes; Donaldson, following up, blazed wide. The elusive N?Toya then shot straight at Bayes and the 59 travelling Grays fans sensed that it might be their day. York had most of the possession but the Blues looked increasingly solid and the game looked to be heading for a draw.

However, with just two minutes left on the clock, that man McLean nicked the ball away from City defender, James Dudgeon, on the half-way line, and tore off towards the City goal. Aaron?s pace took him clear and as York?s keeper, Chris Porter came out to deny him, he coolly dinked the ball over him to score the winner which was greeted with stunned silence by the home end! A spirited win then, from a Blues team that showed grit and resilience against a skilful York side, who will surely be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Edwards, Hanson, Johnson, Kightly (Williamson 50), Thurgood, Martin, McLean, Battersby (Slabber 57), Hooper.
Subs Not Used: Nutter, Eyre, Mawer.

Goalscorers: McLean (30,89)

Booked: McLean

Att: 2461

Ref: M Matadar (Lancashire).

Fans Man of the Match: McLean

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