May 6, 2022...Preview: 'We're Improving Consistently', Nash Declares as Forge Come Into Focus (from York United FC website)

PREVIEW: 'WE'RE IMPROVING CONSISTENTLY', NASH DECLARES AS FORGE COME INTO FOCUS

The Nine Stripes are looking to make it seven points from a possible nine from three successive games.

The first instalment of this season's 905 Derby takes place on Friday night at York Lions Stadium.

York United entertain Forge FC in what is described as one of the natural rivalries
of the Canadian Premier League.

The Nine Stripes are determined to end their three-match homestand - after Cavalry FC [2-0 win]
and Atletico Ottawa [2-2 draw] on a high but the opponent is none other than two-time CPL champions.

Forge have a better head-to-head record with 8 wins from their 13 previous engagements.

The last meeting was in November 2021 during the semi-final playoff which went the way
of the Hamilton-based side in a 3-1 success on home soil.

But a lot has changed for The Nine Stripes with a new man, Martin Nash, in charge
and he is determined to hatch a game plan and pull the victory rag from under
the feet of their regimented rivals.

"I think it's big," The Gaffer shared his thoughts ahead of tonight's clash.

"We've had a good start to season out, not a great start to the season. I think we're
improving consistently. Every game and little things we are making small strides so it's
a good test for us to see where we stand against a team who has been the best team
in the CPL for the first three years."

Hamstrung Oliver Minatel has been ruled out of this clash after being forced off after
just 20 minutes in the come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Atletico Ottawa.

Winger Max Ferrari, who was sidelined against Atleti, has a 50-50 chance of playing
after returning to training during the week but Michael Petrasso remains in the treatment room.

Forge have had more rest days after their clash at Covid-hit Valour FC last weekend was called off.
But Nash is quick to water down suggestions that the Hamilton-based side come into the derby
clash refreshed and hold all the aces.

"[Forge] have had a lot of time to work and freshen up, but it can be a good and a bad thing.
It can mean they come out hungry and flying or they can be just a little bit off it and have
to get back their rhythm," he added.

"They are an experienced team so I’ll expect them to come out flying and we will have to match
that from the get-go. It's gonna be a tough contest. They're a very good team and they will give
us everything they can."

OPPONENT WATCH:

Forge last played on 24th April and smashed FC Edmonton 3-0 at Tim Hortons Field.

Terran Campbell ran the show on that afternoon with a brace and also assisted Tristan Borges
for the third.

Safest pair of hands Triston Henry is still around and newcomer Alessandro Hojabrpour has hit
the ground running.

Bobby Smyrniotis' side are 1-1-1 in three matches and sit sixth on the league table.

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