Burton Albion 0-0 York City (1/4/06)

[Match Reports]

City slipped out of the play off zone following a wind affected goalless draw at fellow play off chasers Burton. The draw has probably meant that the Brewers hopes of catching City, Grays, Morecambe and Stevenage are all but over, but a win for Grays has meant that City are now 6th in the table after being overtaken by the Essex side.

The first half was extremely poor from both sides, with City in particular barely creating any sort of chance. Burton were little better, and the most threatening incidents of the first half were fumbles by the sometimes erratic city keeper porter, some of which were even missing the goal. Gilroy on the Burton left was causing Jamie Price a few problems and had a couple of efforts blocked, but both sides' prolific frontmen were very quiet.

After half time, City had their best spell of the game. On a difficult pitch, we were finally gettting a few good passing moves together. But the best chance was from the more direct approach, when a hopeful long ball forward gave City's leading scorer bishop a good chance clean through on goal. However, the Burton centre back did just about enough to put off the City forward to make sure Deeney could make a save. After that, Donaldson had a good half chance when he got on the end of a Convery cross, but used his right rather than his left foot and sent the ball badly wide.

Burton's best spell came near the end, with a good one on one chance being superbly saved by porter, who was able to get the ball to safety. There were a couple of headers cleared off the line by David McGurk, but neither side really did enough to win the game.

Match Ratings

porter 6 - Some dreadful handling in the first half but a great save in the second. Mixed bag as usual!

price 6 - Didn't do too badly against a useful winger, always looked to play the ball out of the defence rather than hoof it. Injured in the second half.

peat 5 - Slack game from a usually consistant player. Some of the distribution and dwelling on the ball, especially in the first half, was worrying.

mcgurk 9 - Man of the Match - Did everything right. Good in the air, some crucial blocks and clearances and read the game brilliantly.

dudgeon 8 - Much more solid than last week, won most things in the air.

convery 6 - Better second half after being miles off the pace before half time, especially tracking back.

panther 6 - Okay game, a bit lumbering at times but won the ball well in some promising periods of play for Burton.

bishop 6 - Didn't really stamp his authority on a midfield too often bypassed due to the wind.

dunning 6 - Solid game but didn't offer too much creatively.

donaldson 7 - A bit unlucky with some chances he had and never stopped trying.

bishop 6 - Should really have finished the chance just after half time.

Substitutes:

thomas 6 - Competently filled in for the injured Price.

Referee 6 1/2 - Some strange decisions, but for a Conference ref he generally handles the game well.

Overall Verdict

The next three games are now crucial to City's season. Strugglers Altincham and Kidderminster really must be beaten, and three points at midtable Cambridge is also looking important, with the three games against play off rivals Halifax, Stevenage (possibly the most important match) and Hereford still to come.

Burton were a reasonable team and a point was a fair result. However, with the good form of Grays in particular the next few games will be vital.