MANAGER Martin Gray praised York City’s 30-something old guard of Russ Penn and Simon Heslop following a 1-0 friendly victory over League One Bradford.

Hamza Bencherif scored the only goal in the Minstermen’s third pre-season contest, but Gray hailed the parts 32-year-old Penn and Heslop, 31, played in preserving a clean sheet – something that eluded the team so many times during last season’s National League North campaign.

City’s midfield axis have played just under 1,000 games between them for clubs at Football League and National League level – Penn 561 and Heslop 388 – with Gray adding: “The players worked very hard on a red-hot day and showed good discipline with the players we have in the team now able to manage the game when we were out of possession.

“We’ve got two good, experienced central midfield players in Russ Penn and Simon Heslop, who don’t tend to move too much, but they shield and protect the back four and, equally, when they are in possession, their decision making is very good as well. The wide players also know that the team won’t be left exposed if we are attacking sides.”

Bencherif was on target in Minstemen colours for the first time, having yet to open his account during 65 competitive first-team matches, prompting Gray to declare: “He needs to start doing it in league games, so that goal will give him a bit of confidence.

“He wins all his headers in our box, so he’s got to have that same mentality and desire to do it in the opposition box, which he did when the ball dropped to him and his goal was a well-controlled volley.”

Kallum Griffiths completed his first half for the club after picking up an ankle problem following his summer move from Spennymoor and impressed Gray, as did fellow new recruit Jordan Burrow, who was only denied a goal by the crossbar for a second time in as many pre-season outings.

The City boss enthused: “Kallum Griffiths never gave the ball away and was up against a very quick player, but never got beaten one-v-one. It was a good 45-minute debut from him and we’ll look to build that up against Leeds.

“Jordan Burrow is so looking forward to playing in our league and I think he’s a great signing. He gives us the right dimension in terms of what we’re looking to do going forward.”

With Dan Parslow ruled out due to an infected toe caused by a bee sting and Tom Allan still sidelined because to a knee problem, utility-man Sean Newton was pressed into central-defensive action and, on that option, Gray reasoned: “Sean’s a big player with a left foot and he could slot in there during the season if we need to make a change during a game.”

Having looked at three different players on the left wing of his favoured 4-4-2 formation, Gray also admitted that spot in the side is being keenly contested.

“It’s a place that’s up for grabs as they all are and, just because you’ve come into the club, it’s not set in stone that you’ll be starting,” the City chief declared. “I thought Adriano Moke was nice and positive.

“Alex Kempster also gave us lovely balance, got beyond his player and delivered. Then, Vinnie is only a young boy, but he’s somebody that really excites you.

“When he gets the ball, you always feel he will do something.”

Sub Macaulay Langstaff should feature in Thursday’s home friendly with Leeds United despite suffering a head injury against Bradford.

Gray added that no decision had yet been made on trialists Clovis Kamdjo and Lee Hulme or who will be next season’s captain.