2006/2007: Stevenage Borough 1-2 York City (15/8/06)

[Match Reports]

Stevenage Borough 1 - 2 York City

Boro: Miller 21
City: Donaldson 6, Bowey 64
Att: 2,306

Report

York City secured their first win of the new season with a superb performance to beat promotion favourites Stevenage Borough by two goals to one. City deserved a far more emphatic scoreline, in a game that they should have won more easily.

York looked by far the brighter of the two teams in the opening few minutes and Mark Convery tested the former Canvey keeper Potter within just a couple of minutes. It didn't take much longer for the Minstermen to snatch the lead as Clayton Donaldson raced onto a through ball, dribbled round two clumsy home defenders, and powered the ball into the roof of the net for City's first goal of the season. 0-1.

City then did a fine job of restricting the home side just to the odd corner and free kick, before Boro got a questionable penalty. Tricky home winger Dobson, who clearly liked to run with the ball although ran with it sideways for a lot of the match, tried to get past Nathan Peat who appeared to stick out a leg. Who knows whether there was contact, but what can be certain is that Dobson produced a dive worthy of being in the Portuguese national team. The ref at first appeared not to give the penalty but his assistant flagged, so in the end it was given. Stevenage midfielder Miller scored the penalty, despite it being retaken.

City should have retaken the lead before half time as they had two more great chances. Firstly Donaldson, who made centre back Oliver's evening a nightmare, skillfully beat him and curled the ball inches wide of the post. Then, strike partner Craig Farrell should have scored a one on one with Potter, instead he placed the ball too close to the keeper. Stevenage's only half chance was when Boyd beat two players and tried a 25 yarder which went just wide.

Ht 1-1.

In the second half City took control. Firstly Neal Bishop hit the outside of the post with a long range drive after linking up well with Farrell. Then City took the lead, as Steve Bowey progressed unchallenged to the edge of the area before curling the ball into the bottom left of Potter's goal.

Stevenage resorted to their more familiar way of playing, and peppered the York penalty area with high balls, aimed at the giant centre back Oliver who spent plenty of time in the York area. He managed to head against the cross bar from one high cross, but otherwise City defended well and into stoppage time substitute Byron Webster produced a fine save from Potter with an attempted lob.

Overall a fine win for City, who for once beat a team who are expected to finish around the play off zone. Previous doubts about the team's lack of attacking ability have perhaps been overcome, and with the Reds' solid defence and quick counter attacking football associated with pacy striker Donaldson, they should get a fair number of points on their travels this year.

Match Ratings

Evans 8 - Did everything right, controlled his defence well and collected plenty of the Stevenage crosses.

Craddock 7 - Solid in defence and willing to get forward, although the final ball again let him down.

Peat 6 - Shaky start, got booked for a lungeing challenge and then gave away a penalty. Subbed for Lloyd in the first half.

McGurk 9 - Quality display, good both in the air and reading the game.

Dudgeon 8 1/2 - Solid and won everything he competed for.

convery 7 - Drifted inside a little too often again, but far more involved than on Saturday.

panther 8 - Won most challenges and less hesitant on the ball.

Bishop 8 1/2 - Classy display, prepared to compete and can pass the ball well.

Bowey 7 1/2 - Offered much more going forward and scored a great goal.

Donaldson 9 - Man of the Match - Gave the home defence nightmares with his pace and skill. HIs first touch was also excellent, something that can't always be said.

Farrell 7 - Hard working and a good touch but lacked confidence in front of goal when he had a great chance before half time.

Substitutes:

Lloyd 7 - Battled hard and did well on his debut.

Greenwood n/a - Sub introduced near the end.

Webster n/a - Last minute sub, nearly scored with his only touch of the ball.

STEVENAGE: Potter, Fuller, Nutter, Oliver, Gaia (Henry 61), Bulman, Miller, Boyd, Dobson, Thorpe (Sullivan 83), Nurse.
Substitutes Not Used: Julian, Hicks, Stamp.