July 8, 2024...Analysis - Home Fortress and a Resolute Finale: What We Learned From Saturday's Win (from York United FC website)

July 8, 2024...Analysis - Home Fortress and a Resolute Finale: What We Learned From Saturday's Win
(from York United FC website)

ANALYSIS - HOME FORTRESS AND A RESOLUTE FINALE: WHAT WE LEARNED FROM SATURDAY'S WIN

Benjamin Mora will be pleased with how his side dug deep to grind out the victory.

THE DETAILS

York United survived a late scare to put Halifax Wanderers to flight with a 2-1 victory at York Lions Stadium. The result ensured The Nine Stripes returned to winning ways after defeat at Valour in their previous league encounter. Head Coach Benjamin Mora continues to get the best out of his players as he improved his record to 3-1-1.

SCRUFF OF THE NECK APPROACH

York United made a bright start, and their approach paid off as they created early chances. Captain Mo Babouli was at the heart of the action. His first notable contribution was a cross from a short corner into the Wanderers' box, but no York United player was there to capitalize. Minutes later, Babouli whipped in a corner from the left, which was prodded home by the unmarked Markiyan Voytsekhovskyy in the 17th minute.

Goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini was called into action several times in the first half, and he was up to the task. He made a great save to deny Wanderers' captain Andre Rampersad and, just before half-time, palmed out Dan Nimick’s ferocious low shot from inside the box. York United ended the first half with a 1-0 lead, having one shot on target and 51% of possession.

GOALS FROM UNEXPECTED SOURCES

The Nine Stripes took a 2-0 lead before the hour mark when Juan Cordova scored his second of the season with another screamer after 58 minutes. Voytsekhovskyy had earlier shot York United into the lead with a header and the 20-year-old was delighted with his effort.

"[It was] Really an important goal but most importantly we got the three points. We really had to play hard today, we got to run, we got to do the dirty work as well and so happy to get the three points and we're just focused on the next game though," he told OneSoccer after the game.

LATE CRACKS/SLOPPY DEFENDING

York United nearly let a winning position slip away as they conceded a late goal, halving their lead. Substitute Giorgio Probo scored for Halifax in the 87th minute, creating a tense final few minutes of the match. It seems the lads dropped their guards and that made the visitors come back into the game. Halifax had total shots of 12 as compared to York’s seven and led in shots on target (3v2) and with ball possession of 52%.

Still, the group managed to hold firm and Mora will be pleased that his late changes and tactical tweaks saw them over the finish line.

It's now five wins and a draw from seven games at home this season and York Lions Stadium is finally starting to feel like a fortress.

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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