Stevenage 2-2 York City Elding 27, 79   P Robinson 24 Webster 34 Saturday 8 January 2005, Nationwide Conference Attendance: 2,044

A point and a couple of goals away from home is always a good result, although City may be disappointed that they took the lead twice only to be pegged back by the Conference's second highest scorer Elding who scored twice for Stevenage.

City and Stevenage started the first 20 minutes pretty evenly, with Stevenage producing an early chance through centre back / striker Goodliffe, who narrowly headed wide of the left hand post from an inch perfect through ball. City were by no means second best, and the work rate of strikers Bishop and Robinson was very impressive as both tried to create opportunities for themselves. On 25 minutes, City got their reward for a good spell of pressure - Bishop curled a beautiful free kick from 30 yards onto the cross bar, which led to a scramble in the 6 yard box. City striker Robinson was in the right place at the right time to net his third goal in just five starts.

Just when the travelling support began to believe an away win might just be on the cards, Stevenage scored an equaliser just three minutes after Robinson's goal. It was too easy really, with a cross from the left headed in from 8 yards by the unmarked Elding, whose contribution today certainly was better for his team than in their derby against local rivals Barnet last week.

Back came City again though, and soon they were back in the lead. City youngster Webster turned smartly in the penalty area and placed a fine effort into the bottom corner. It was a well worked goal and no less than we deserved.

Shortly before half time, City's lead could have been extended further. A Dunning corner was swung over to the back post, and Groves beat his marker to the ball to head towards goal. Unfortunately, a Stevenage defender was back just in time to clear off the line.

At half time Stevenage made a change, with ex - York defender Hocking subbed. This seemed to work, as they had by far the better of the second half and would probably feel unlucky not to take all three points. City were defending very deep, and creating very little at the other end despite the tireless work of the frontmen. Notable Stevanage efforts included a long range effort from Boyd which was superbly tipped round the post by the City keeper, and also a header which was well saved.

However, an equaliser was always going to arrive, and Elding's well struck effort from Boyd's cross took the score to 2-2 ten minutes from time. The last ten minutes saw some desperate defending from City, but the away team could easily have had three points should sub Nogan have had the pace to run onto Robinson's flick on.

Player Ratings

Chris PORTER 8 MotM:
Excellent performance. Didn't flap at anything and made some fine saves.

Michael STALEY 6.5:
Not convinced still, but on the whole today he played okay against a tricky left sided player. Got forward well in the first half but City's deep defending meant he wasn't an outlet in the second fourty five minutes.

Jon MALONEY 7:
Another assured performance. Not the tallest but not bad in the air, also some good interceptions.

Paul GROVES 7:
Have to be fair and say he played well again, despite the fact that he has been poor for the rest of the season. Very good in the air, reads the game well but sometimes caught out by lack of pace.

Shaun SMITH N/A:
Subbed after 10 minutes with a thigh injury.

Kevin DONOVAN 6.5:
A bit quieter than he has been, but did a fine job helping Staley out defensively in the second half. Goes past people easily, shame he doesn't have much pace.

Byron WEBSTER 7.5:
Played very well today, especially in the first half. Seems to get better with every City performance and hopefully this will continue. Excellently taken goal too.

Darren DUNNING 6:
Works hard but still has no final ball!

David MERRIS 6:
Quiet game today.

Andy BISHOP 7:
Worked very hard, again City's best threat going forward both in the air and with his ability to take on defenders.

Paul ROBINSON 7:
Like Bishop he worked very hard, and took his goal very well. 3 in 5 is good going.

Subs:

Lee GRANT 7.5:
Did very well in an unfamiliar position.

Lee NOGAN 5:
Can't say he made much impression on the game apart from being booked. Lack of pace prevented him latching onto Robinson's through ball which could have been a possible City winner.

The REFEREE 7.5:
Did okay, not noticed much which is always a good thing!

Report by David Venables

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