May 28, 2024...The Wright Direction: 3 Things We Learned From A Third Successive Home Win (from York United FC website)

THE WRIGHT DIRECTION: 3 THINGS WE LEARNED FROM A THIRD SUCCESSIVE HOME WIN
The Nine Stripes make it seven points from a possible nine as York Lions Stadium is becoming a fortress.

THE DETAILS

The Nine Stripes proved they are on a surge after a commanding performance saw them account for Halifax Wanderers 2-1 at York Lions Stadium. The pair of first half goals from Austin Ricci and Dennis Salanovic caused the damage. The visitors reduced the deficit in the second half but the lads held on to bag the points. Here are some takeaways from that convincing display.

FIRST HALF STATEMENT

Friday night marked the first time this season where York United found the net in the first-half, whether at home or away. And it happened twice.

Again without influential skipper Mo Baboui who continues to nurse a back problem, interim Head Coach Mauro Eustáquio stuck to the conversant 4-1-4-1 formation and it worked.

In the opening period, York United were very much on top, winning more duels (23v19) and converting both shots on target.

Eustáquio explained what went into the win: "Towards the end of the first half, they started to find pockets on the left. The staff and I decided to pivot a little in midfield and move from a 1-2 into a 2-1. That helped get a little more defensive security. Guys understood the message, they were tactically aware of their tasks and we were successful."

"And for our front three, I told them, 'Listen, the game plan here is to keep them narrow. They are players that that can score, they are players that can create and to have Dennis [Salanovic], Austin [Ricci] and Brian in that centre channel, I think it is good not only for the team but for themselves. I was quite heavy with them in the entire pre-game for them to understand where they had to be; and what they had to do and I'm thankful that they did so and they had a great game."

A TIP OF THE HAT TO BRIAN WRIGHT

York United’s leading scorer - Brian Wright - was not on the board on the night but his contributions did not go unnoticed. He holds up play, makes runs into pockets and creates opportunities for others to score. Against Halifax, his assist to Dennis Salanovic for the second goal was peachy. However, he could not complete the entire match as he picked up a thigh injury.

"Brian has been growing. He's obviously been a very positive piece of the puzzle. And it is not just the goals he's been scoring but the chances he's been creating and the assists he's been having. He's a big character in the group and he has his mind in the right place," Eustáquio said.

YORK LIONS STADIUM A FORTRESS

With back-to-back wins now, York United have made it three wins out of four on home soil and it hasn’t only been about the points bagged but the exhilarating football. The Nine Stripes have been in-charge and dominated opponents Vancouver, Valour and now Halifax Wanderers. Unlike last season where they faltered many times in front of the home fans, The Nine Stripes mean business.

The Gaffer said: "I think it's important for the fans. I think it's important for the club and ultimately, I think this was something created by the players. We scouted the players and we wanted a winning mentality. I think that's the proof of it. Players are doing exactly what they have to do when they're performing. Brick-by-brick, we want to make this place a fortress. But a lot of it comes down to the players and their mindset and today they were outstanding."

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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