Grays Athletic 1-1 York City (20/08/05)

[Match Reports]

__________________ Grays Athletic 1-1 York City
______________________Thurgood (pen) 89____-Bishop 69

___________________________


A ridiculous refereeing decision meant City left Essex with just one point after comprehensively outplaying their opponents, former Conference South champions Grays.

Deep into stoppage time, City centre back Mark Hotte was harshly judged to have brought down Grays' striker Jamie Slabber, who had spent the previous 90 minutes conning the referee with his play acting, and Grays captain Thurgood sidefooted the penalty perfectly into the bottom corner.

City had started superbly, and could and should have been a couple of goals to the good at half time. They could even have taken the lead after a minute, as Donaldson's effort rattled the Grays crossbar. Donaldson also just couldn't get enough on the ball when clean through to prod it past home keeper Bayes - allowing the Grays left back to clear the ball almost off the goal line.

At the other end, Grays had few chances - the best one forcing a great save from the formerly erratic Porter, who tipped the ball agily over the bar. Defensively City were sound, with only one dodgy moment caused by Porter attempting to throw the ball out but only throwing it to himself, which could have led to a goal.

After half time, the key substitution that turned the game was the introduction of Andy Bishop. Within minutes, he had opened his account for the season, after somehow managing to squeeze an effort through a crowded penalty area from 8 yards after his first three attempts had been blocked from Grays defenders. The ball found the bottom corner of the net, sending City fans and players wild in celebration.

Grays seemed to have very little in the way of a response, with long ball football being increasingly their tactic, and City's back four comfortably handled their threat. Their only real chance occured when anonymous supposed "Conference one to watch" striker Oli fired at Porter who made a good reaction save.

Midweek hat trick hero O'Neill could have won it for City, but when through on goal he sent the ball high and wide.

As stoppage time progressed, Grays crosses were aimless and they appeared to have run out of ideas. The three points were heading north, before referee Phillips intervened much to the annoyance of the 350+ travelling faithful, to leave the final score 1-1 after Thurgood netted the penalty he gave for a seemingly questionable foul.

Player Ratings

Chris PORTER 7:
Much better today from the much maligned City keeper. A couple of fine saves and got pretty close to the penalty too. One dodgy moment when Port's attempting to throw the ball out but only throwing it to himself, which could have led to a goal.

Jamie PRICE 7:
Rarely put under pressure by the Grays winger or forwards.

Nathan PEAT 8 MoTM:
Man of the Match - Left backs often go unnoticed but Peat did a good job all game. Only one slight mistake, otherwise good both going forward and defensively.

David McGURK 7:
Solid and reliable display.

Mark HOTTE 6.5: (Sent Off 89mins)
Couple of dodgy challenges, but unlucky with the penalty.

Mark CONVERY 7:
Busy performance, gives City something extra in their midfield play.

Emmanuel PANTHER 6.5:
At times he can appear a little clumsy on the ball, however his strength is very useful as a ball winner.

Darren DUNNING 7.5:
Dunning seems to have added something to his game this season - his set plays are far better and he looks to go forward far more often. Everywhere and almost Man of the Match.

Clayton DONALDSON 7.5:
Continues to scare Conference defences with his pace, dribbling ability and persistance. Should have maybe netted a goal though.

Joe O’NEILL 6: (Sub'ed 90mins)
Quiet, outjumped for every header and should have done better in stoppage time. Not really his day.

Darren MANSARAM 6: (Sub'ed 63mins)
Never really looks happy down the left side. Fairly quiet until he was taken off.

Substitutes

Andy BISHOP 7.5:(On 63mins)
Added that extra something to the City attack. Should be claiming a starting birth for the Woking match.

David MERRIS N/A: (On 90mins)
Stoppage time substitute after Hotte's red card.

Un-Used: Farhad Afandiyev, Ryan Mallon, Bryan Stewart

Referee

D PHILLIPS 4: (West Sussex)
Bizarre all afternoon. Refused to give a number of definite Grays and City fouls, blew up for the most nothing challenges, and ultimately made a silly decision for the penalty.

Overall Verdict & Stats

City were maybe unlucky but with the chances they had, 3 points should have been a certainty and the game should have been out of Grays' reach. The penalty was ridiculously awarded, but City shouldn't have sat back and let Grays attack them. However, City played their opponents off the park for the majority of the match - and remember, this is a side tipped to be one of the promotion contenders this season. City would have surely settled for a point pre match, but after this performance it is disappointing they didn't get all three. The introduction of Bishop helped the City attack - when he regains fitness he will cause lots of trouble for Conference defences. To sum up, City should have won but a point isn't too poor an outcome.

Booked : Hotte (27), Bishop (69)
Sent-off : Hotte (90)
Stats : Shots 8, On-Target 4, Off-Target 4, Fouls 13, Corners 6

>>> Return to YorkCityFC.com Homepage