York City's Paddy McLaughlin faces battle to tackle leaders Gillingham

10:43am Wednesday 19th December 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Tony Kelly, Deputy sports editor

City’s Paddy McLaughlin grimaces after his collision with Bristol Rovers’ Danny Woodards City’s Paddy McLaughlin grimaces after his collision with Bristol Rovers’ Danny Woodards

PLAYMAKER Paddy McLaughlin is fighting a crunch pursuit for York City’s visit of npower League Two leaders Gillingham.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international suffered a nasty injury and was stretchered off in City’s 4-1 thumping of Bristol Rovers, which has ramped up the excitement for the duel against the table-toppers in four days.

Manager Gary Mills revealed that after being taken off the field following a hefty collision with Rovers’ defender Danny Woodard, the midfielder was subsequently taken to York Hospital’s accident and emergency department after he started passing blood.

McLaughlin was diagnosed with a bruised lung and kidney and it won’t be until the last minute of this week that he discovers his chances of retaining his place at the heart of City’s team against the high-flying Gills.Said Mills: “Paddy suffered quite an impact. The challenge was right in front of our position in the dug-out. He had to go for the ball and he really went for it.

“He is going to be okay but with the bruising where it is, it’s going to take time to sort out.

“We won’t know until the back end of this week whether or not he will have any chance to play against Gillingham.”

The City boss added the timing of the blow for McLaughlin could not have been more inopportune after his starring role in the first half against the lowly Pirates.

“It was the best Paddy had played for a long while and he and the rest of us were so disappointed that his contribution ended in that way,” added Mills.

“Not only had he set up two of the goals with his passing, which is what he is so good at, but he was getting into that side of his game of winning the second balls which he’s needed to work on.”

The City chief was more optimistic of both defender Chris Doig (ankle) and Ashley Chambers (groin), who were also substituted against Bristol Rovers, recovering in time for the showdown against Gillingham.

He agreed the victory over Rovers had stoked up the anticipation of the clash on the last weekend before Christmas.

“Our home results have not been what we would have liked, but we have now got a great win for the club and the supporters,” said Mills. “We are now starting the festive period and I hope we can continue that sort of form.”

Comments(15)

Budgie says...
11:06am Wed 19 Dec 12

Hope Paddy makes it, he is a wholehearted player would have buried the two sitters Smith had.

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YorkCityLuke says...
11:17am Wed 19 Dec 12

He had a slump in form recently, but can't fault his determination and commitment - I hope he returns to his formidable best against Gillingham.

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rogue84 says...
11:28am Wed 19 Dec 12

the sort of challenge that, as supporters, we always want to see. 50/50, full blooded, not giving an inch...good to hear it's nothing serious in the long-term, but i'm happy to see J.Smith come back in if Paddy can't make it.
when at his best, McLaughlin has the touch, first-time pass and composure of a higher league player so it's great to see him back on form.

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ian923 says...
12:33pm Wed 19 Dec 12

If anyone is interested there is parking at the ground for Chesterfield on Boxing Day at £6. They also have disabled car parking behind the away stand at £6. Contact Janice Kew on 01246209765 or e-mail janicekew@chesterfie
ld-fc.co.uk.

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Even AndyD says...
1:05pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Got to keep playing him in that attacking midfield role - might just be be, but thought Mills was mad playing him further back. He is the crucial link with attack which makes Walker look less isolated imho.

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yorkiemike says...
2:27pm Wed 19 Dec 12

If there is the slightest doubt we shouldn`
t play him.We have three other games coming up quickly so lets get him 100% for those.
I`m a big fan of Paddy so wish him well,he certainly didn`t shirk that tackle.Fortunately we have our two loan midfielders back to choose from.
Looking forward to the Gillingham game and if we play our football for the 90 mins I`m sure we`ll give them a game.

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YO1 says...
10:30pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Just walked into my living room to find my son watching last season's play off final. I would advise any fan complaining about the team or players to take another l

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YO1 says...
10:33pm Wed 19 Dec 12

look at the DVD again and remind yourself of emotion and the incredible achievement of that day.

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GreenshawGrinder says...
12:19am Thu 20 Dec 12

Parking at Chesterfield £6 take it that includes a full valet!

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Some old bloke says...
9:36am Thu 20 Dec 12

ian923 wrote:
If anyone is interested there is parking at the ground for Chesterfield on Boxing Day at £6. They also have disabled car parking behind the away stand at £6. Contact Janice Kew on 01246209765 or e-mail janicekew@chesterfie

ld-fc.co.uk.
How much???!

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RooBeck says...
10:37am Thu 20 Dec 12

GreenshawGrinder wrote:
Parking at Chesterfield £6 take it that includes a full valet!
This was the same price that Bolton charged for their car-parking at The Reebok, less than two years ago and they were Premiership!! Suppose someone has to pay for these new stadiums, but this is excessive for a League Two club! Are there any side streets nearby??

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RooBeck says...
10:37am Thu 20 Dec 12

GreenshawGrinder wrote:
Parking at Chesterfield £6 take it that includes a full valet!
This was the same price that Bolton charged for their car-parking at The Reebok, less than two years ago and they were Premiership!! Suppose someone has to pay for these new stadiums, but this is excessive for a League Two club! Are there any side streets nearby??

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Tug job says...
12:22pm Thu 20 Dec 12

Only £2 at Accy with all the money going to their youth team. Still, it'll be worth £6 to witness us getting another three points! COYR

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OLD - HEAD says...
2:20pm Thu 20 Dec 12

After watching Paddy wearing a oxygen mask getting carried off on a stretcher, I did not contemplate seeing him again for weeks. So to be in with a chance of playing on Saturday is good news. Even if he does not make it we have Jonathan Smith ready to step in. Our biggest problem could be with the weather!

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YoRkIe59 says...
4:10am Fri 21 Dec 12

i wonder if a recalled Jon smith would have gone in for a tackle like that.considering the comments he,s supposed to have made in the papers down there id have expected some kind of comment on his return to city.

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