April 27, 2024...Analysis - Tactics, On-Song Strikers and a Rousing Finale: Three Things We Learned From Fridaya's Big Win (from York United FC)

April 27, 2024...Analysis - Tactics, On-Song Strikers and a Rousing Finale: Three Things We Learned From Friday's
Big Win (from York United FC)

ANALYSIS - TACTICS, ON-SONG STRIKERS AND A ROUSING FINALE: THREE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM FRIDAY'S BIG WIN
Club insider Ridwan Asante delves into the 3-0 victory over Vancouver FC.

THE DETAILS
York United rebounded from last week’s 905 derby humiliation by crushing the then league leaders Vancouver FC 3-0 at York Lions Stadium. After a goalless first half, York United stepped up in the second stanza and got the goals courtesy a Brian Wright double and Denis Salanovic, who climbed off the bench to score.

BRIAN DID EVERYTHING WRIGHT
With two goals and one assist, Brian Wright was deservedly named Man of The Match. He looked lively throughout the match and could have registered a hat-trick had he buried the other big chance that came his way. His second goal was that of a typical fox-in-the-box forward. Wright collected a pass from Clement Bayiha, directed it past on-rushing goalkeeper Callum Irving and then kept his composure to slot home the third in regulation time after dummying stalwart defender Rocco Romeo.

It was special night at York Lions Stadium on Friday as The Nine Stripes picked up their first points of the CPL season.

THE WRIGHT STUFF
The two-goal hero said in his post-match speech:

"It's always nice as an attacking player when the game gets stretched and there’s pace. Obviously today, we were able to be clinical when those opportunities presented themselves. I thought we dealt well with the guys running forward and the midfielders were able to hold down the fort but I think we'll go back and watch the film and make sure we can tighten up in some certain areas."

REVISED TACTICS/APPROACH PAYS OFF
Head Coach Martin Nash tweaked his formation and opted to pair Austin Ricci and Brian Wright upfront and that yielded dividends. The Gaffer’s choice of Elijah Adekugbe and Brem Soumaoro shielded the backline and starved off threat from the VanFC side who had won all their previous league matches. York United were comfortable and never got into trouble.

Wright confirmed: "We changed the formation this week and I thought we were matched up all around the pitch, man for man. I think today we were just the better team in transition in the second half and it paid off today. So, we'll see what will happen moving forward."

STIRRED UP SECOND-HALF DISPLAY
The full-time stats spoke volumes about York United’s dominance having shaded 52% of possession with 83% pass accuracy [vs 78%]. Nash’s side had 16 shots against the 10 by the visitors and from the six shots on target they managed to score three. In his post-match conference, Nash said:

"I just think that our compete level was where it needed to be. We ran and worked last week but [I] didn't think we competed. We competed here from the first minute. I think Elijah’s tackle - a great tackle in the middle of park - set the tone and the rest of the guys stepped up and we responded. I thought we created a lot more opportunities than them. I know they [Vancouver] are a tired team coming in but I was really pleased with the performance, the energy and the effort all the way to the end."

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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