'Second-best' - Scott Lindsey delivers frank assessment of York City's loss to Chesterfield
Scott Lindsey has assessed his York City side’s 2-0 defeat to Chesterfield
York City boss Scott Lindsey conceded his side were “second-best” in their 2-0 defeat to Chesterfield.
Lee Bonis fired the Spireites ahead in the League Two clash and the lead was doubled deep into stoppage time by Dilan Markanday.
The statistics told a story of Chesterfield control, as Paul Cook’s men registered a total of 26 shots compared to York’s seven, and the Minstermen did not muster a shot on target.
York City boss delivers frank assessment
Lindsey said: “That wasn’t a reflection of who we are and what we’ve been. I thought we were second best around the pitch on most facets of the game. We created a few bits in the first half and potentially could have scored some goals.
“And then in the second half, I thought we were terrible. I didn’t think we were very good at all. I think we looked tired.
“We were kind of off the press throughout the game. Distances were too big. Balls were playing into their front line far too easy with no contact on it.
“Second best all around the pitch, in my opinion. But the players have been excellent since I’ve been in. I can’t fault their effort. And I don’t fault their effort, but we were second best today.
“The press wasn’t aggressive, so it was a pretend press which allowed them to punch the ball forward, which they did with quality, into their front line. We’re not aggressive enough.
“Time and time again, even in the first half, time and time again they were allowed to play the frontline and we weren’t aggressive enough.”
Chesterfield boss Paul Cook reflects
Chesterfield boss Cook, meanwhile, said: “The old saying, ‘game of two halves’, wasn’t it? We rode our luck at certain parts of the first half, and what’s very important is that when you do that, the chances you get to defend your box properly, do it, keep a clean sheet, and then liven up second half.
“There were some good parts of the first half, but I think York shaded it. I think that’s fair, and I think we certainly shaded the second half.
“There was a real grit and determination from all the players, including the substitutes, to not throw that win away. We showed a resilience today to keep the lead and extend it through a great individual goal from Dilan at the end.
“Even when we scored the second goal, you’re hoping they don’t get some sort of consolation because I thought the team, in particular the two centre-halves and ‘Boots’ (Ryan Boot), really earned that clean sheet today.
“I think we’d be lying if we weren’t disappointed we didn’t score more. We hit the woodwork three times. Maybe we wasted a couple more chances than that and limited them to virtually nothing. So that’s credit to us.”