IF YORK City were aggrieved at only securing a point at Macclesfield, the Minstermen could have no complaints at leaving Gigg Lane with nothing but their tails between their legs.

It was a dank and dismal performance from City, arguably their most disappointing of the season so far.

Bury, quick and eager, played very well and City could also point to the lack of a linesman's flag at a crucial moment. But excuses cannot and should not paper over the cracks.

The fact remains, City were second best all over the park and therefore had only themselves to blame for this defeat.

A lack of battle in the red ranks was matched by a lack of creation.

At Moss Rose on Saturday, the Silkmen shot-stopper Boaz Myhill racked up a string of fine saves to secure himself the man of the match accolade as City at least peppered the Macclesfield goal and showed some intent.

Last night, Glyn Garner in the the Shakers goal did not have a save to make until the 89th minute when substitute Bryan Stewart tried his luck from 25 yards.

When a Mark Ovendale punt forward then ran through into the arms of Garner a couple of minutes later, it drew ironic cheers from the disillusioned away following, many of whom had long since departed for the trek back across the Pennines.

So disappointing were City, it is difficult to take any positives from the game.

Aside from a distinct lack of chances and passion, the Minstermen's passing game that ushered in the season and carried City through their first four games riding a wave of optimism was non-existent.

Particularly in the second-half, high and mighty kicks from the hands of Ovendale seemed City's only response.

Of course, City have lost before this season, and more heavily. However, not even the rousing late siege or rally for credibility was forthcoming as City seemingly shrugged their shoulders, rolled over and accepted their fate.

In a tactical switch enforced by the absence of an injured Aron Wilford, Christian Fox was given a licence to roam just behind the front two and pull the strings.

It was a brave move and emphasises the faith Chris Brass has in the young midfielder.

It looked a shrewd move too when City enjoyed some early possession as Fox continually looked to find space or move the ball into telling positions.

Unfortunately, it just didn't happen enough.

With Bury slowly getting a grip in midfield and dominating possession, City spent too long chasing the ball instead of cossetting it, too long defending their goal instead of attacking the opposition net.

Bury's opening goal, coming less than ten minutes before half-time, was not without controversy but that's not to say it wasn't deserved.

Right back Lee Connell thumped a high ball aimlessly forward and City player-boss Chris Brass stepped up looking for the referee's assistant's flag.

It never came, enabling Bury striker Chris Porter to amble forward and roll the ball under the advancing Ovendale.

An injection of enthusiasm was sorely needed in the red ranks and Liam George came close to providing it minutes after the break.

A Dave Merris cross from the left was bundled back across the face of the Bury goal but from eight yards George could only sky his effort over the bar and with it City's chances.

Dean Crowe was thrown on up front as Fox was withdrawn but struggled to get a sniff of possession never mind a goal as Bury continued to dominate.

Ovendale produced a hat-trick of solid saves to deny testing efforts from Porter, Connell and Glenn Whelan but was powerless to stop Bury's second.

Terry Dunfield delivered a vicious low cross from the left and substitute Joe O'Neill, arriving at the near post, glanced his diving header in at the far corner. It was no more than Bury deserved. And it was no more than City deserved.

At least there is one consolation; the Minstermen can hardly play as badly again. On that basis, the only way is up.

Nationwide League, Div 3 Tuesday, October 30, 2003, at Gigg Lane

Ovendale 6, Cooper 5, *Wood 6, Brass 4, Hope 5, Merris 5, Fox 5, Dunning 6, Ward 4, Bullock 5, George 4

Subs: Crowe (5) for Fox 59, Smith (5) for Brass 64, Stewart for George 73

Not used: Porter, Brackstone

Star Man: Leigh Wood. City's most assured player

Key

10 Faultless, 9 Outstanding, 8 Excellent, 7 Eye-catching, 6 Good, 5 Average, 4 Below-par, 3 Dud, 2 Hopeless, 1 Retire

Bury: Garner, Connell, Swailes, Duxbury, Woodthorpe, Dunfield (Whaley 89), Whelan, O'Shaughnessy, Singh, Porter, Seddon (O'Neill 66). Subs (not used): Strong, Kennedy, Preece.

Goals: Porter 37, O'Neill 71

Yellow cards: Shaughnessy 28, Swailes 63, Smith 69, Cooper 74

Red cards: None

Referee: A Penn (West Midlands). Competent

Attendance: 2,282

Weather watch: Typical autumn evening

Game breaker: Porter's opening goal came at a crucial time and was not without controversy.

Match rating: Very poor

Updated: 09:39 Wednesday, October 01, 2003