YORK City boss Martin Gray praised his team’s set-piece dominance following a 2-0 triumph at Ashton United.

The Minstermen moved up to eighth in the National League North table after Macaulay Langstaff scored following Tom Allan’s long throw and Joe Tait netted from a Kallum Griffiths free kick.

Both goals came after Scott Sephton’s 73rd-minute dismissal for the hosts and Gray was pleased with his team’s reaction following the disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Alfreton at the weekend.

The City chief said: “It was the response we needed. We knew from the reports we have had that our fitness levels would tell after the hour mark and we managed the game well.

“It’s all about what you do in both boxes and we were better in both than we were on Saturday. We were so dominant on set-plays for and against.

“Ashton have scored lots of goals this season and had not been beaten, but we slowed the tempo when we knew they were going to come flying out and got the win we deserved. It won’t be the best performance of the season, but it doesn’t always need to be.”

On the night’s marksmen, Gray added: “I’m delighted for Macaulay Langstaff. He had a few half-chances before his goal that didn’t quite come off for him, but he stuck at it and got one off his knee that all forwards like to get.

“The second goal was a good ball in by Kallum Griffiths and Joe Tait showed great desire to get his header on target.”

Allan was given his first appearance during a second spell at his home-town club, starting at left back in place of Sean Newton, who sat out the match with a knee problem, which was described as minor by Gray.

The former Darlington boss was pleased too with Allan’s display, declaring: “It was a really solid (second) debut. His decision-making on the ball was good and he’s a big handful at set-pieces.”

Langstaff was also given his full debut with Jake Wright switching to the left wing in Gray’s 4-4-2 formation and the City boss praised the latter for “working hard for the team and putting a shift in”.

Despite Adriano Moke going off with shoulder injury, using his shirt as a sling, and Russ Penn withdrawn due to a thigh problem, Gray expects both midfielders to be fit for Saturday’s home match with Curzon Ashton.

“Hopefully, they will both be fine and I don’t think the injuries were too serious,” he explained.