YORK CITY interim assistant Scott Barrow has hailed the performance of goalkeeper Ryan Whitley after his Man of the Match performance earned City a goalless draw against fellow strugglers Scunthorpe United last night.

Whitley was in scintillating form for the Minstermen, producing a string of what Barrow described as “Premier League saves” to preserve just his second clean sheet, and City’s eighth, in the Vanarama National League this season.

While the sides around them, including Gateshead, Torquay and Dorking Wanderers, all triumphed, the point moves City up to 17th place, five points above the relegation zone, ahead of Monday’s rescheduled clash against Barnet (7.45pm).

The 23-year-old shot-stopper, who is deputising for first-choice Ethan Ross whilst he recovers from concussion, has received criticism from fans over recent weeks, not least for his own goal at title contenders Wrexham on Saturday.

But he was undoubtedly the difference between the two sides last night, with a sensational diving stop to his left to deny the lively Richie Bennett at the end of the first half perhaps one of the best that fans have witnessed at the LNER Community Stadium this year.

“That was a brilliant save,” enthused Barrow. “But it wasn’t just that save, there were a few others.

“I thought that he was absolutely superb, he got us the point in my opinion.

“We could have gone in three or four down if it wasn’t for Ryan Whitley in the goal. When we got in at half time, we all thanked [him]. He kept us in that game.

“He came out of the box for long throw-ins, he commanded his box very well. Those saves are Premier League saves, they were a different class.

“He’s had a lot of stick over the last couple of weeks, but credit to him, he was absolutely superb tonight.”