YORK City’s leading marksman Richard Brodie scored his first goals since mid-January in a 4-0 win at Grays, but manager Martin Foyle was full of praise for striking partner Michael Gash.

Gash won the free-kick that led to Brodie’s second goal and also laid on the fourth for Neil Barrett, with Paul Harsley having earlier broken the deadlock.

Gash is without a goal in 16 matches, but City chief Foyle said: “I thought Michael Gash was outstanding. He held the ball up, won headers and had a spring in his step. People think being a striker is all about scoring goals, but I brought him here for his link-up play and ability to get the team ticking.”

With Kettering losing 3-0 to Rushden and AFC Wimbledon requiring a late goal to earn a 2-2 home draw with Wrexham, City moved eight points clear of their nearest rivals in the final play-off place.

About last night’s performance in Essex, Foyle added: “It was a very convincing 4-0 win. We had a lot of chances but a good finish by Paul Harsley probably relaxed us a bit and their heads dropped.”

Defender Djoumin Sangare hobbled off on the stroke of half-time, but his injury was confirmed as not “a serious one”.

The City boss is also hoping for the team to reproduce their fine away form in forthcoming home matches with Altincham and AFC Wimbledon next Monday and Wednesday. City have won their last three away games but taken just two points from a possible 12 at home.