UTILITY man Dan Parslow was praised for an “outstanding” performance at left-back in York City’s 1-1 draw with Gillingham at Priestfield.

Parslow, used at centre-back, right-back and in a midfield holding role by manager Gary Mills, lined up on the left side of defence in place of Jamal Fyfield, who picked up an ankle injury in training.

The City boss chose to select Parslow for the role and give left-footed on-loan teenage Blackburn defender Jack O’Connell his debut in the centre of defence alongside captain Chris Smith.

On that decision, Mills added: “Dan Parslow was outstanding at left-back.

“I played him there because he’s Dan Parslow and I know what I will get from him. His left foot is all right as well and he’s got that bit of pace.

“I played left-back despite being right-footed and liked it. It can help you read the game better.

“I could have put Jack there, but he wants to be a centre-half. He did well next to Smudge and it’s not easy because he’s not had a lot of time with us.”

With Parslow shifting flanks, Lanre Oyebanjo was recalled at right-back but his afternoon ended prematurely on 81 minutes due to him feeling the effects of an earlier aerial collision with Charlie Lee.

The Gills midfielder went off the pitch twice for treatment but carried on until the final whistle with home manager Martin Allen having made all three of his substitutions after 55 minutes.

A concerned Mills said: “It was a great header from Banj.

“He was brave to go for it but it was a nasty, nasty clash of heads.

“He was bleeding out of his ear and did not know what day it was but it shows his commitment and he was excellent coming back in at right-back. I just hope both players will be okay now.”

Mills went on to pay tribute to the 258 City supporters who cheered on the team, saying: “Our fans were superb again because it’s a long way to travel. Hopefully the performance and, maybe, the result helped them have a good journey back.”

Physio Jeff Miller did not make the 240-mile trip to Kent, however, due to illness with Tom Robinson, who normally takes care of the club’s academy players, filling in.