"Adam Hinshelwood has been the missing piece of the jigsaw" - FC Halifax Town v York City: Opposition Focus

What have you made of York's start to the season?

York have been nothing short of superb so far this season. The standards that are being maintained by Adam Hinshelwood has seen this squad produce high quality performances week in week out. The match against Halifax on Saturday will mark exactly two months, in all competitions, since York last lost a match. There is a real togetherness throughout the squad, the management team and the supporters which is showing on the pitch, with a fearless attitude being established so far this season. It’s been enjoyable to watch, whilst also surprising compared to last season!

What are the big differences between the York that ended last season and the one that's started this season?

It would be hard to note one main difference, as it seems to be a mix of multiple factors contributing to the season so far. Adam Hinshelwood has had the opportunity to bring in his own squad, which consists of several players that he has worked with in the past. The standards have been hugely raised, and from speaking to Adam, even he is surprised at York’s difference compared to the back end of last season.

How do you rate the job that Adam Hinshelwood has done?

Adam Hinshelwood has been the missing piece of the jigsaw that York have lacked in recent years. His passion for the job, his tactical knowledge and his standards that have been maintained has rightly earned plaudits. He often puts a lot of the credit onto his coaching team, who also deserve recognition, but Adam has turned the feel around the club and the city around in such a short space of time. He’s certainly a manager with a bright future, and one that York will hope can spearhead their long-term ambitions.

Who have been the standout players for you so far this season?

There have been so many brilliant players so far this season, but I think that the surprise standout player would be Joe Felix. A man who has played in defence, in central midfield and on the wing, Felix has handled the step up from the sixth tier admirably. He has an engine like I have never seen before, and has so much quality on and off of the ball. Ollie Pearce has also been outstanding in front of goal, as well as Callum Howe and Malachi Fagan-Walcott, who have formed a fantastic partnership at centre-back.

What are the expectations among the York fans this season?

York have been quite fortunate with their expectations, as many were just hoping for some form of improvement from the last two seasons, where they only survived on the final day. The way it has been going so far, the general consensus is that supporters are just thankful to be able to enjoy watching football and feel pride in their team.

How do you rate their chances of promotion?

I believe that York were steady play-off contenders prior to their match with Barnet, but after that 3-1 win in midweek, the bar has been lifted. City look like real title contenders, it’s hard to pick any holes in a fantastic squad of players, and there appears to be no teams that this squad fears right now.

How do you think Halifax can go about beating them?

York’s only defeat of the season came against Boston United, who man marked Dan Batty out of the game. He’s known for dropping deep and producing a long pass to set a York attacker in behind, but when he’s unavailable to receive the ball, City lose that outlet. A high press can also disrupt York when they attempt their patient possession style of play, whilst teams like Eastleigh and Aldershot have put ten men behind the ball to null City’s attacking threat, and try to hit them on the break.

Who will be your dangermen on Saturday and why?

Ollie Pearce is in superb form, having scored six goals in five games. He’s found some real confidence after a slightly slow start to the season and has now found his place in the York frontline. He’ll be hard to stop, whilst Callum Howe and Malachi Fagan-Walcott have proven that they are extremely difficult to breakdown.

What's York's style of play, what can Halifax expect to come up against?

York have lined up in a 4-3-3 formation for every match so far this season. They tend to play a high pressing, patient possession match, whilst often overloading in the middle of the pitch. Their wingers often drift wide and then run inwards to allow their full-backs to push down the wing, with long balls from Dan Batty finding those in space.

Injuries/suspensions?

Adam Crookes and George Sykes-Kenworthy remains injured, having not featured yet this season. Callum Harriott and Dipo Akinyemi both came off injured during Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Barnet, but there is no update on whether they be return to fitness in time for Halifax. Zanda Siziba is also injured, but are is expected to go out on loan once he recovers.

Likely line up and formation?

I’d predict another 4-3-3 formation which lines up like this.

GK: Harrison Male, RB: Joe Felix, CB: Callum Howe, CB: Malachi Fagan-Walcott, LB: Cameron John, CM: Dan Batty, CM: Alex Hunt, CM: Marvin Armstrong, RW: Tyrese Sinclair, LW: Ashley Nathaniel-George, ST: Ollie Pearce.