York City 1 Grays Athletic 1 (F.A. Trophy 2nd Round)
Sat, January 12, 2008. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report By Martin Candler
At York‘s Kit-Kat Crescent, a disputed penalty awarded to the home side 15 minutes from the end meant that the two sides must meet again at the New Rec to decide this 2nd Round F.A.Trophy tie. In the first half Grays frustrated the Minstermen with a gritty defensive performance and although York shaded the second half, Aaron O‘Connor‘s strike on the hour seemed to have won the game for the Blues. With a little more composure up front the Blues could have taken the spoils but, in truth, neither side had a killer touch in front of goal, so a draw was probably about right.
Grays created half-chances but O‘Connor(twice) and Danny Kedwell could not convert and York responded with a Onome Sodje effort saved by debutant keeper David Button. Mention must be made of Button‘s contribution; his safe handling and towering presence gave the stout Grays rearguard solid backing. Spurs are lucky indeed to have such a promising home-grown talent on their books.
With attacking flankers, Anthony Lloyd and Ben Purkiss using the full width of the pitch, York had more of the play in the second half, Onome and Nicky Wroe going close. But Grays too had their moments as Michael Standing was twice just wide with a free-kick and then a shot, and Alan Power, after a thrilling run, pulled his shot wide. Then in the 60th minute, a cross by the marauding Andy Sambrook fell to O‘Connor who seemed to have missed his opportunity by taking the ball away from the goal. But, from a tight angle, his firm shot clipped Danny Parslow and flew past York keeper Tom Evans to give the Blues the advantage.
York pressed hard for an equaliser but with Button and his defence holding firm, another Trophy triumph beckoned. However, in the 73rd minute, Craig Farrell raced onto a clever pass and was tackled by Jamie Stuart, who had played magnificently despite being abused throughout by the home crowd, but to the chagrin of the Grays players referee Mr J.Collin pointed to the spot. Video evidence showed it was a legitimate tackle; even York‘s manager said it was a harsh decision!
The 75 travelling fans gave the team a rousing ovation at the end in appreciation of a battling display against the in-form side of the Blue Square Premier.
Grays Athletic: Button, Sambrook, Stuart, Gaia, Murray, Ashton, Power(McCafferty 90), Standing, Kedwell, O'Connor(Daniel 69), Watson
Subs not used: Gibbons, Obersteller, Cooksey
Goalscorer: O'Connor(60)
Attn: 1351
Ref: J Gooling
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