May 3, 2023...Reaction: Nash Praises Performance & Hope to 'Put on a Show' in Friday's Local Derby
(from York United FC website)
REACTION: NASH PRAISES PERFORMANCE & HOPES TO 'PUT ON A SHOW' IN FRIDAY'S LOCAL DERBY
The 1-0 win over Atletico Ottawa has given the team plenty of confidence ahead of home clash with Forge FC
at York Lions Stadium.
Martin Nash believes Saturday’s vintage performance at Atletico Ottawa in the Canadian Premier League has provided
the platform to mount a strong challenge in all competitions this term.
The Nine Stripes have reigning champions Forge FC and then MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps to play in quick
succession in the league and Canadian Championship over the next ten days and The Gaffer hopes the weekend's
1-0 win over the 2022 regular season champions will serve as a statement result.
Nash disclosed: "I think this is going to give us some confidence. We were a little bit low but we bonded together
and we trained really well this week. We're going to have to train well again this week because Forge is a tough
task and it's not going to be an easy game. As we all know, they've been the best team in this league over
the first four years so we're going to have to be at our best on Friday to get a result."
For the fourth consecutive time this season, Nash had to present a different starting XI due to injury situations
at the club. But York United did not lose their identity as they soaked the pressure and repelled all attacks
by the hosts.
Speaking in his post-match conference, Nash beamed, "I've seen a lot of positives. I thought especially in the
first half we were creating a lot better. We were getting into the areas you want to get into and we had a good
structure so we were winning balls back quicker."
"In the second half - as we tired and as they pushed - we stopped winning the balls back as quick and we were
falling into a shape that was a bit more safe. So, we didn't create as much in the second half but it's partially
because of how well they played and the changes they made were good ones. I had a short bench tonight so I was
reluctant to make too many changes, just with the shape we were in and how we were playing. Maybe if I made
changes earlier the fresh legs would have helped. But we're growing in the right direction. It doesn't get any
easier because we have Forge next week and they're a tough, tough team to beat. So we'll have to look at them
this week and see if we can put on a show at home."
Aside from the three points, another bonus was no fresh injury problems and also fit-again midfielder Elijah Adekugbe
came on in the 72nd minute to make his league debut for the club. With other players still nursing knocks, Nash will
be hopeful that a number of them can recover in time for Friday night's showdown at York Lions Stadium.
Ridwan Ibrahim Asante
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