We had to be at our best – Gardiner

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MATT Gardiner hailed a complete performance from Harriers on Tuesday night as they got back to winning ways against York City at Aggborough.

After three defeats on the spin, the reds turned in a fine showing against the Minstermen.

Goals from Dan Bradley wrapped up the 2-1 win and, while the home side dominated in large spells, they had to have their wits about them against one of their play-off rivals.

“We are very proud of the performance and, ultimately, the result,” said Gardiner on reflection.

“York are a very good team; you could see that and see why they are where they are and why they cause teams problems.

“We had to be at our best to get the result.

“The gaffer has said about being competitive and this being a squad game and, with the changes tonight, the players who came in were excellent and I thought the changes were excellent as well.”

City pulled a consolation goal back in injury time as a deflected cross fell kindly to Sean Newton who did the rest.

…the whole team defended excellently when they didn’t have the ball…”  Matt Gardiner

It was perhaps an unfair reflection on the team’s overall defensive display, as the likes of Fraser Horsfall and James Pearson dominated one of the division’s best attacks.

Gardiner added: “Fraser and James were very good on Saturday – they have been good and it’s just the way the ball’s been falling.

“As a group, individuals and units, the whole team defended excellently when they didn’t have the ball and you have to do that against quality teams.

“They pushed us all the way and you could see it was dangerous right until the end. They got the goal and, with the way things have been going, we had to make sure we were on it.

“To come through the other side, everyone is proud of the team.”

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