YORK City manager Nigel Worthington lamented a “lack of life” in his team following a one-sided 2-0 home defeat against Chesterfield.

The Minstermen got off to the worst possible start when David McGurk’s second-minute error gifted Eoin Doyle an early goal.

Impressive winger Gary Roberts went on to add a second before the break and the final outcome flattered City, who mustered just three shots all evening.

Delivering his verdict, a disappointed Worthington said: “You are looking to keep clean sheets and be solid but, two minutes into the game, we have gone a goal down and not through any good play by Chesterfield. Then, after that, we were second best all over the park.

“There was a lack of life, brightness or spark and that’s unusual. The second goal came from our corner and that’s not supposed to happen in football.

“We were never on the front foot and paid the price. You have to be bold but our quality of passing was worse than average and we did not press the ball well.

“We were second in every challenge as well and they won everything in the air and on the ground.

“This team and group have players have not become bad over night but you have to be prepared mentally and physically for every single game you play because, if you start sloppily, it can become like pushing water up a hill.”

Worthington added that second-half substitute Will Hayhurst was immune from any criticism, though, on his debut following his loan switch from Preston.

“The only shining light was young Hayhurst,” Worthington said. “He picked up the mantle when he came on and had a go, which is all you want from players.”

City skipper David McGurk, meanwhile, could be a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood after hobbling out of the action late on.

“He came off with a twisted back so we will have to see how he is but, at least, we are covered in that area of the pitch,” the City boss reasoned.

 

Smith in City exit

YORK City club captain Chris Smith has left the club by mutual consent, writes Dave Flett.

The former Mansfield centre-back, right, has struggled to break into Nigel Worthington’s team in recent weeks despite being the lynchpin in last season’s fight against relegation.

He is now expected to sign for another side before the transfer window closes on Friday with Conference play-off hopefuls Alfreton Town believed to be interested.

Said Worthington said: “Rather than Chris not playing games and getting frustrated, it was agreed by all parties that it was best for him to move on. He played a big part in the final ten games of last season but he has found it a bit tougher this season and wasn’t helped by the injury he got.”