York City 1 Forest Green Rovers 3

Last updated : 06 November 2004 By Footymad Previewer

York City player-boss Chris Brass came under severe pressure as his side turned in an abysmal performance against Forest Green Rovers going down by three goals to one.

The visitors, who had previously only won once this season, ran out comfortable winners with striker Charlie Griffin bagging a hat-trick.

City were rocked early on, with the visitors going ahead on two minutes. Stuart Roberts' cross from the left was missed by defender Shaun Davies, and with David Stockdale rooted to his line Griffin headed home from six yards.

The Minstermen had plenty of possession, but failed to test Rovers keeper Dean Williams until Andy Bishop's glancing header from Dave Merris' cross struck the post.

On 24 minutes a terrible mix-up in defence between Gary Pearson and keeper Stockdale gifted Griffin his second goal of the game, slotting home the loose ball into an unguarded net from ten yards.

City showed little after the break to indicate anything of a possible comeback.

Any hopes were totally extinguished just after the hour when the visitors scored their third. Mark Beesley ran to the byline and his low cross was stabbed home by Griffin from close range for his hat-trick.

Scott Rogers hit a screaming shot from 25 yards which brought a superb one-handed save from Stockdale as the visitors looked to extend their lead further.

In the closing stages, substitute Kevin Donovan had an effort cleared off the line before the hard-working Bishop scored a late consolation goal on 90 minutes for the home side.