York City 2 Grays Athletic 0
Sat, February 9, 2008. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report By Martin Candler
Any hopes of Grays avenging their Trophy defeat at the New Rec three weeks ago at the hands of the Minstermen were dashed by two second half goals which finally broke the Blues‘ resistance. Grays started brightly with home custodian Tom Evans saving Danny Kedwell‘s shot in the first minute. Grays continued to hold their own in the first half but efforts on goal from Jack Obersteller and Scott Taylor did not have the accuracy or power to trouble Evans. For their part, York looked a little lethargic and rarely troubled the determined Blues rearguard.
York came out showing more purpose in the second period and in the 53rd minute, they were awarded a penalty by Mr Tierney( rather harshly in the opinion of some Blues fans) when Jamie Stuart felled Manny Panther in the penalty area, ex-Barnsley man Nicky Wroe stepping up to convert. Although Grays tried their best, in truth, they did not carry much of a goal threat and, in the 72nd minute, a long ball by Darren Craddock sent the much-travelled Leo Fortune-West in on goal and as Ross Flitney hesitated so the big striker ran on to notch York‘s second goal. The introduction of Aaron O‘Connor gave Grays a little more spark up front and nine minutes from time his fierce shot from outside the box was well saved by Evans. But it was York‘s day and their unbeaten run in the League was extended to 10 games since Colin Walker became manager. As for the Blues this defeat has surely ended their play-off hopes and Justin‘s managerial mettle will be tested in the remaining games as he battles to address a chronic lack of goals.
Grays Athletic: Flitney, Stuart, Downer, Ashton, Day, Murray, Mawer (McCafferty 67), Obersteller (Watson 84), Standing, Taylor (O'Connor 74), Kedwell.
Subs Not Used: Gaia, Gibbons.
Attn: 2531
Ref: Paul Tierney (Wigan).
|
