September 17, 2023...Analysis: 'If They Can't Find That Minimum Desire, They're Going To Get Beaten Every Week' (from York United FC website)

September 17, 2023...Analysis: 'If They Can't Find That Minimum Desire, They're Going To Get Beaten Every Week'
(from York United FC website)

ANALYSIS: 'IF THEY CAN’T FIND THAT MINIMUM DESIRE, THEY’RE GOING TO GET BEATEN EVERY WEEK'

Head Coach Martin Nash was understandably angry in his post-game press conference.

THE DETAILS

A STERILE FIRST HALF

York United’s evening was defined after failing to produce a single shot on target in the first half. Overall, the only serious threat was recorded in the 53rd minute when Brian Wright was picked out inside the box by a superb over-the-top pass from Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare. Wright had a weak connection and the innocuous effort was collected by the goalkeeper. A goal would have halved the deficit [2-1] at a crucial moment of the encounter.

"We didn't come with the bare minimum requirement to play games: no energy, no passion. When that happens, you're not going to win. What happened tonight is going to happen every time you step on the field," Head Coach Martin Nash lamented.

"I thought we were the same way last week - we started the game and didn't have the drive and desire. We talked about it all week, we talked about it again before the game. They [players] have got to find something in each one of them, individually. If they can't find that minimum desire to show up and play with passion, desire and effort, they're going to get beaten every week."

YORK UNITED’S WORST PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON?

This the second time York United have conceded four goals at home this season (Forge dismantled them 4-0 back on July 9), but this one really hurt. Last weekend - with the side immersed in a crucial play-off push - Valour visited and scored three in what was a deeply frustrating display from The Nine Stripes. The Gaffer sought a response, another big reaction but what occurred instead was unforgiveable. Nash explained that there's no excuse for the hammering in front of the home fans at York Lions Stadium. So, was it York United's worst performance this term?

"I'm not sure," Nash replied.

"But I thought the energy and application was the poorest from the start and - in a game that means so much to us - that is simply inexcusable."

REMEDIAL AMOUNT OF WORK REQUIRED

The Nine Stripes had few positive moments and throughout the season, they've not fully capitalized on the few that have come their way. It's extremely worrying ahead of Saturday’s clash against league leaders Cavalry in a must-win fixture at York Lions Stadium to keep their playoff hopes alive.

"We were already talking as a staff - about training and how we want to approach it this week," said Nash.

"We're going to look to approach it differently because maybe it's coming from the training ground. We had a good nine-day break, some good training sessions but none of what we worked on was really seen today so that's part of the frustration. But I think the biggest frustration is the the collective effort."

OSAZE DE ROSARIO REMINDS US OF HIS POTENTIAL

When the chips were down, Martin Nash brought on striker Osaze De Rosario and the club’s leading scorer from last season reminded all about his prolificacy by grabbing the consolation goal with a well-struck, controlled volley after a neat knock-down by youngster Kadin Martin-Pereux.

De Rosario replaced Wright after an hour and he managed to pull one back for the hosts. This is his first goal since returning for the one-month ban and the striker is now on four league goals for the season - taking him behind Mo Babouli (6) and Kevin dos Santos (5) in the club's 2023 top-scorer chart.

Ridwan Ibrahim-Asante

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