October 1, 2023...Preview: The Biggest Game of Nash's Reign As 'Everything is on the Line' Against Atletico
(from York United FC website)
PREVIEW: THE BIGGEST GAME OF NASH'S REIGN AS 'EVERYTHING IS ON THE LINE' AGAINST ATLETICO
In the penultimate game of their 2023 Canadian Premier League season, The Nine Stripes really need to win to make
a play-off statement.
We have a showdown at York Lions Stadium this afternoon.
For York United, they find themselves dangling precariously at the edge of a cliff. Pull themselves to safety
and they wrestle some control back. Lose to provincial rivals Atletico Ottawa and their playoff dreams will dissipate
into thin air.
Ahead of kick-off, Head Coach Martin Nash was asked if this encounter is the biggest for him since taking charge
two years ago.
"Yeah, absolutely," he replied, instantly.
"Everything is on the line for us. They have another kick at the can so to speak. We have to go and put
in a performance because if we don’t, it could see the end of our season."
Atleti, occupy the fifth and final playoff berth, one point and one place above their hosts. So, it's effectively
a winner-takes-all battle. The capital club haven't won a game since August 18 and head into this clash
on the back of successive losses.
Similarly, York United are struggling too and have lost their last three - all at home - but have vowed
to avert an ignominious fourth consecutive.
Nash outlined what he expects of his charges, given the magnitude of the occasion.
"We've got to be on the front foot from the start," he said.
"We've got to be active; we've got to be alert because they're really good on the counter. They've got some
dangerous pieces in attack and they can be stingy defensively. We've played them pretty tough this year.
But this is like a cup final now and it comes down to one game. We need a win to put everything back
in our hands. A draw doesn't do that."
The Nine Stripes will be boosted by the return of leading scorer Mo Babouli and defender Noah Abatneh,
who both served two-match bans after their respective sending offs against Valour two weeks ago. It means
Nash - like last weekend against the Cavs - is faced with the luxury of having to leave players out of the
matchday squad: a rare experience for The Gaffer this term.
Nash is well aware that The Nine Stripes must shake off their slow starts and take the game by the scruff
of the neck.
Nash added: "We've tried to make training as energetic and as aggressive as possible because we need to be
that way when we start the game. So, we've been pushing for that energy all week. They haven't been long
sessions but they've been sharp sessions, and that's what we've wanted to see from them so that we can come
out from the opening whistle and be on the front foot."
Despite faltering in front of the home fans in recent matches, Nash is backing his players to sparkle
on the day.
The Gaffer said: ''I don't think there are any nerves. It's a bit late to have nerves now. There's a lot
on the line but it took 26 games so far to get here and what's one more? It's the biggest game of the year."
OPPONENT WATCH:
Atlético Ottawa's danger man without a doubt is Ollie Bassett, who leads the league’s scoring chart with 11 goals.
The Capital club are without a win in their last six matches on a 0-2-4 record.
Atlético’s away record reads four wins, two draws and six defeats.
Ridwan Ibrahim Asante
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