tongey - Comments

September 2022



League Two // Wycombe // Away


ARGH! A 94th-minute equaliser gifts Wycombe a draw. We had played them off the park but didn't kill them off. We actually went behind very early on, but hit back in the 2nd half through Ali Al-Hamadi, then went ahead when Jordan Ponticelli rounded the keeper and slotted home. Like I said before, Wycombe had a late equaliser and it ended in a 2-2 draw.

League Two // Colchester United // Home


Not a great start to the month with 1 draw, and now a loss. Jordan Ponticelli had put us ahead as he went on a solo run and smashed one past the keeper in the 27th minute. A 2nd half revival from Colchester saw them earn all 3 points as they win 2-1.

League Two // Barnet // Home


It was our turn to score a last-minute winner, and we fully deserved it. I would have been annoyed if we hadn't of won as we dominated. We were 2-0 in the first 10 minutes but after I had wrollocked them in the dressing room at half-time, we switched it on and pulled one back through Ali Al-Hamadi. It was 2-2 in the 86th minute when Emmanuel Adebiyi fired a rocket from distance into the bottom corner. Luke Molyneux who came on as a substitute scored the winner as he played a one-two in the box and hit it first time past the keeper who was left stranded on the line.

League Two // Macclesfield Town // Away


Nothing much to say here, apart from the fact we weren't good enough and Macclesfield deserved their win. We need to perform better if we want to finish near the play-offs.

League Two // Notts County // Home


We ended the month with a narrow 1-0 victory against Notts County. This is a massive win for us, and propels us back up the league! That man Ponticelli again fired us ahead in the 8th minute with a well-placed shot into the right corner of the net. We held firm at the back and the match ended in a 1-0 win.





We've dropped a position overall from the end of the last month, but the fact that we are still in the playoffs is pretty amazing! We're performing a lot better than I expected and better than the board expected so they are happy. 20 points from 12 games is a good haul at this stage of the game.

August 2022



League Two // Port Vale // Away


Our second game in the Football League, and it ended just like the first one, with 0 points and a long journey home. We played quite well, but couldn't find any finish and they took their chance. They deserved to win, but we're playing some good stuff so I'm not disheartened. A win will come.

League Two // Crewe // Home


Finally, we have a win in the league, and it came as we played Crewe at home. Ali Al-Hamadi powered a header home after it came straight to him from a decent keeper save. I'll take that in the 8th minute though, and we finally have something to show for our hard work and good play. Crewe had a man sent off on the stroke of half-time, which helped our cause tremendously.

Carabao Cup 2nd Round // Southampton // Home


We faced Southampton in the 2nd round of the Carabao Cup, and I didn't expect to get anything, let alone a win. We took them all the way to penalties, after a boring 0-0 draw. We battled hard and defended doggedly and held firm. Penalties are always pot luck so I knew we were in with a chance. It ended up being a tense affair, as we won 7-6 with Ali Al-Hamadi stroking the winning penalty straight down the middle whilst the keeper dived to his left. Brilliant stuff from the lads.

League Two // Wallsall // Away


We've hit a bit of good form, and boy does it feel good! We went behind early on in the 10th minute, as Wallsall hit us on the break. Aram Soleman equalised just after the break with a solo run and finish. It was Ali Al-Hamadi who struck the winner, in the 69th minute with a deft finish over the keeper. 2-1 win, happy days have come at last.

League Two // Forest Green Rovers // Away


Another win in the Football League and I can't quite believe what we are doing. We went behind to a good finish, before one minute later Ali Al-Hamadi netted the equaliser. It was FGR who scored the next goal to go 2-1 up, but yet again, one minute later Jordan Ponticelli equalised for us. An own-goal put us ahead in the 59th minute before a late penalty from Jamie Morton put the cherry on top of the win.

League Two // Leyton Orient // Home


Back down to earth a little, but a very credible draw against a good Leyton Orient side. It was busy inside the first 10 minutes, as Aram Soleman equalised for us in the 9th minute after going behind in the 2nd. Ali Al-Hamadi fired a rocket past the keeper to put us ahead, but it wasn't long-lasting as Leyton Orient equalised with a superb flowing move. Points shared.

Carabo Cup 3rd Round // Brighton & Hove Albion // Home


We got absolutely spanked, and I'm not surprised as we faced another Premier League outfit. We did well to score and Herson Alves will cherish that goal forever. I can't really say much more, but I'm proud of our run to this round as we've beaten some good teams: Hull City & Southampton. That's a tricky run for a League Two side.

League Two // Bradford City // Home


Another belter of a game and we came out on the right side of the result. Jordan Ponticelli slotted home from close range in the 2nd minute, before Ali Al-Hamadi made it 2-0 with a little flick into the bottom corner. It was 2-1 soon after, before Connor Kirby smashed one in from the edge of the box to stretch our advantage to 3-1. In the 28th minute, it went mental as both teams scored and it was 4-2. Aram Soleman without goal, and a Jack Bainbridge own goal for them. It stayed 4-2 in a pretty uneventful second half and we collect all 3 points.

Lesser.com Trophy Group D // Wolves Under 23's // Away


Another game against a Premier League side (sort of). We were probably favourites for the game, but it was uneventful to say the least. Once again it went to penalties and once again we came out on top. This time Aram Soleman the hero who slotted home the winner after Wolves U23s hit the post on their final attempt. 2 points for a win on penalties in this cup.





Look at that table! We're getting a nosebleed we're that far up. I can't believe what we're doing, but my players are performing each and every week. We're in 5th, and sit on 13 points, only 2 behind top spot. Crazy!



We're 2nd in the Lesser.com Trophy Group D, but still, have plenty of games to play. We'll see what happens next.

July 2022



Carabao Cup 1st Round // Hull City // Away


We got given a ridiculously tough draw in the 1st round of the Carabao Cup, as we had an away day against Hull City (once of Premier League fame). We turned up and played them off their own pitch. Stupendous from the lot of them. Ali Al-Hamadi capped his debut off with a goal when he ran clear of the defence and slotted home to make it 1-0. Kyle McFarlane came on as a substitute and fired one home in the 89th minute to secure passage into the next round. What a game.

League Two // Plymouth Argyle // Home


Not the start we wanted in League Two, but we played fairly well. We went ahead when Jamie Morton ran onto a loose ball and slammed home past the keeper. It went downhill from there as we conceded twice to lose the opener 2-1. A tough game, but I'm not too disappointed, but it definitely could be a long season.



I don't have a league table photo I'm afraid, as I've already played the next game, but it's pointless after only one game in the league anyway.

I never know what to write about when it comes to Pre-Season Friendlies, but once again, we've played a mixed bag of teams including Blackpool, Doncaster & Gateshead. We grabbed some quality victories against Fleetwood Town, Doncaster Rovers & Southport which were all pleasing to see! These friendlies have also given the new lads some time with their new teammates and to learn how we play. It should be one fun season coming up as we struggle to survive in the Football League.



Elliott Watt // CM // Wolves // £15.5k


Elliott isn't the first ex-Wolves player we have signed, as he joins Terry Taylor at the Minstermen. He's going to be another central midfielder and has all the attributes needed to be successful there for us in the Football League. I don't think he will score many, but I'm looking at him to win the ball back and distribute it around the park.

Barry Goodridge // CB // Arsenal // Free


Barry comes into us straight after his release from Arsenal. This tactic seems of signing players from Premier League teams as they get released seems to be working for me. Barry is an imposing CB and has high tackling and heading attributes which should be perfect for him. With the departure of Yoan Zouma due to him going back to Bolton (his parent club), we needed cover and a new starting CB.

David Titov // RB // Brentford // Free


David has massive potential and will more than likely start ahead of Chiori Johnson who's been our starting RB since I signed him in my first season. David can fly up and down the wing and should hopefully nip in with a few assists if I'm lucky!

Ali Al-Hamadi // ST/AML // Swansea City // Loan


With Jamie Thomas being a bust up front, I thought we were lacking one striker so I delved into the loan market and brought in young Ali Al-Hamadi. He will be used in rotation with Jordan Ponticelli & Kyle McFarlane. Hopefully, he can bang a few goals in for us along the way to him improving and returning to Swansea.

Other News



The media has predicted us to finish just below mid-table, and I think this is definitely doable. The players, however, aren't too confident and think we will be relegated. I aim to turn their morale around and try and finish as high as we can. Time to get to work...

April 2022



Vanarama National League // Aldershot Town // Away


All the action in this game came in the 2nd half! It wasn't until the 71st minute that the first goal went in, as Jamie Morton thundered one from the edge of the area past the rooted keeper. 6 minutes later Jordan Ponticelli pinged one from distance that left the keeper with no chance once again to make it 2-0. Aldershot had one sent off at the death before they got a consolation in the very last seconds of the game. A good win.

Vanarama National League // Northampton Town // Away


Absolutely brilliant! We were magnificent in this title-deciding game against the rivals Northampton Town. In a game that could have gone either way, we showed fight and passion in order to gain the crucial win. Alex Kempster showed us why he is our starting left-winger. He collected the ball in the middle of the park, danced around 2 defenders before curling an effort from the edge of the box into the top right-hand corner. That goal wouldn't look out of place in the Champions League final. It was that moment of magic that won us the game, as we defended with everything we had. 3 MASSIVE POINTS!

Vanarma National League // Cheltenham Town // Home


The game that could win us the title, and we end up winning it! Jordan Ponticelli smashed one home in the 9th minute before Alex Kempster made sure of the result in the 24th minute! It was as easy as a win you'll ever see. and...

WE WON THE LEAGUE!!! 3 POINTS HERE MEAN THAT WE CAN'T BE CAUGHT AND WE ARE ON THE WAY BACK TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE!!



Vanarama National League // AFC Fylde // Home


As we had already won the league, I decided to rotate then pack and give some playing time out. We still managed to grab a draw with fringe players in the squad. Macauley Langstaff grabbed our only goal and impressed me massively. He's done well whenever he's played, and I may reward him with a new contract in the off-season. A deserved draw for the boys.

Vanarama National League // FC Halifax // Away


The final day of the season is upon us, and we were away to FC Halifax Town. The youngsters and fringe players were once again in for this one, and Macauley Langstaff once again scored our only goal! It's nice to see our youngsters stepping up and giving them a good game. A 1-1 draw is good enough for me. Now we can celebrate!!





CHAMPIONIES!! CHAMPIONIES!! OLE, OLE, OLE!!

WE ARE GOING UP, SAY WE ARE GOING UP!!

3 points are the gap that we won the league by, as Northampton Town went up via the play-offs. The two best teams deservedly ended up being promoted into the Football League!!

Player of the Season Award



Connor Kirby has been voted as the Vanarama National League Player of the Season, and his performances have definitely merited this! He scored 9 goals and set up 16 in the league this season. Incredible! His average rating is at an all-time high for him at 7.26.

Manager of the Season



I've been awarded the Vanarama National League Manager of the Year Award! I think I deserve it after guiding us to a league title in just two seasons! I've built a quality young team that is playing with freedom and confidence! Happy days!

Other News



The board has announced that we're expanding the stadium! We're adding another 1,469 seats which is a show that we are on the up! More and more people want to see us play and I don't know why they wouldn't want to ha! What a season it's been for York City!

March 2022



Vanarama National League // Dulwich Hamlet // Away


I think this is the first time I've ever dropped points against Dulwich Hamlet so I'm pretty disappointed. We went ahead through Jordan Ponticelli who rounded the keeper and slotted home to give us the lead. We were looking comfortable before a mental lapse at the back let them back into the game. We couldn't regain our composure and the match ultimately drifted out to a draw.

Vanarama National League // Ebbsfleet // Away


What a horrendous start to the month! We could well be throwing all our hard work away here. It's like the nerves had settled in and aren't going anywhere. Ebbsfleet controlled the game and had the better chances, and we were lucky to not lose by more. They scored the match-winner late on in the 80th minute to gain all 3 points.

Vanarma National League // Dagenham & Redbridge // Home


2 goals either side of half-time was enough to give us the much-needed win. Connor Kirby bent one round the keeper to put us ahead in the 39th minute before cultured striker Jordan Ponticelli fired low into the bottom corner to extend our advantage. The game wasn't done then, as Dagenham pulled one back to make it a nervy finish! We held on just about to gain our first win of the month!

Vanarama National League // Maidenhead // Home


Once again, another close game and another where we went into a 2-0 lead. Aram Soleman rocketed one into the top corner leaving the keeper with no chance, before Kyle McFarlane who has now scored over 50 goals for the club, slotted one low and into the bottom corner. We had our advantage cut to 1 within a minute though as Maidenhead looked to make it a close finish. We defended stoutly though and came away with all 3 points.

Vanarama National League // Wealdstone // Away


Two braces from Alex Kempster and Kyle McFarlane meant that we came away with a 3rd win on the bounce. We've rescued the month in some ways. Both players were magnificent and deserved the MOTM award. Happy days have come back to York.

Vanarama National League // Chorely // Home


A disastrous end to the month, as we snap our 3 game win-streak and crumple to defeat. Chorley came to win and they did just that. A Jordan Ponticelli goal was just a consolation for us. Not much else to say except it was a poor game and a semi-poor month.





This poor month results-wise means our lead has dropped dangerously to 2 points. 5 games to go, with a crucial title-deciding game against Northampton at their place. This game is massive!!



Kyle McFarlane
(6 games, 3 goals, 1 assists, 6.99 rating)

It's nice to see Kyle back in form after having an injury-plagued season. He's definitely improving once again and he's scoring goals like he used to. He's had a quality month for us and I'm excited to see if he can win us the title next month!

February 2022



Vanarama National League // Kettering Town // Home


What a performance from the boys! Aram Soleman weaved his way into the box, cut inside and fired one past the keeper to put us 1-0 in the 28th minute. We won a penalty and Jordan Ponticelli converted it to put us 2 ahead. Connor Kirby made it 3-0 with a simple finish in the 72nd minute! An easy win, and a cracking performance to boot.

FA Trophy 2nd Round // Sutton // Away


Our only away game of the month, and we just about scraped a win. We weren't great, but we probably still deserved the 3 points. Connor Kirby made it 2 games in a row with a thunderstrike from just inside the box. The keeper didn't move. A 1-0 win was enough to gain all 3 points.

Vanarma National League // Harrogate Town // Home


Our best performance of the month, and against a team that beat us in the last minute last time out. Herson Alves did what he does best, and jinked past his man inside the box, and hit a low one through the keeper's legs to put us ahead. Another Jordan Ponticelli penalty made it 2-0, before Harrogate were reduced to 10 men for a second yellow. It was Emmanuel Adebiyi who made it 3-0 with a decent team goal. Harrogate pulled one back in the dying moments to make it 3-1. A cracking result against a team currently sitting in 5th.

Vanarama National League // Swindon // Home


What a game! We started superbly and were 4-0 up before the 40th-minute mark. Connor Kirby made it 4 goals in the month, with strikes from Terry Taylor and Kyle McFarlane as well. A penalty gave Swindon a lifeline, but it really wasn't going to be enough for them to mark a serious comeback. A hell of a win to cap an unbeaten month off.





An unbeaten month is definitely what we needed. We've still got a good margin at the top, with Northampton now only 5 points behind us. It's going to be a tight run-in I think, so I need this winning run to continue a good while longer now.



Connor Kirby
(4 games, 4 goals, 3 assists, 7.78 rating)

Connor was the clear winner this month! He has been absolutely brilliantly, scoring 4 goals in the process, and also assisting 3 goals. What a player he is turning out to be. He's key in the middle of the park for us.

January 2022



Vanarama National League // Dover Athletic // Away


We've finally started a month with a win, and it was a pleasing one at that. Our wings tore the full-backs to shreds and both grabbed goals to cap their fine performances off. We went behind though in the 20th minute to an absolute screamer from Dover. Winger, Herson Alves does what he does best, as he cut inside and fired a low curling shot into the bottom corner to put us back on level terms in the 33rd minute. Aram Soleman, operating from the left got free in the area and tapped in from close range after a corner bobbled to him.

FA Trophy 2nd Round // Brackley Town // Away


I switched the team around a bit so that the fringe players could get a bit of playing time under their belts, and I probably shouldn't have done so much. We weren't really in the game and I'm disappointed that we went out this early in the competition. My own fault I guess. Brackley fired past Griffiths in the 27th minute before Macauley Langstaff equalised with a well struck effort on the edge of the D. We weren't on level terms for too long though as Brackley scored the match-winner in the 67th minute and held on comfortably to progress into the 3rd round.

Vanarma National League // Yeovil Town // Home


I think we've finally figured out how to beat Yeovil Town. Hit them with pace and on the counter. Connor Kirby put us ahead in the 14th minute as we broke with pace and Kirby was free at the back post to tap in after Alves had found him with a cutback. We stayed 1-0 up until the 92nd minute when Kyle McFarlane went on a crazy solo break and dribbled past 3 defenders before slotting it round the keeper to make it 2-0.

Vanarama National League // Bromley // Away


Not the result we wanted, and not much to say about this boring game. A point is better than none.

Vanarama National League // Eastleigh // Away


We were beaten fair and square on the day. Although it's gutting to lose to an injury-time winner, we didn't deserve any points to be honest. It was actually a well-worked goal and I have to hold my hands up and applaud a team when they deserve to beat us, and Eastleigh did that today.





The gap is still growing and currently stands at 8 points, even though Northampton have a game in hand, but I'd rather have points on the board already. It's definitely our title to lose now.



Herson Alves
(5 games, 1 goals, 2 assists, 7.40 rating)

Aram hasn't had a better month performance-wise for us during his time with us, but couldn't find the net enough or assist enough this month. That being said, his direct running and skillful wing play helped us perform well this month and he was a standout for me.

December 2021



Vanarama National League // Maidstone United // Away


We've been struggling to start off the month on the right foot so far this season, but another point added to the tally. We went ahead early on in the 4th minute when Herson Alves wriggled past his man in the box and let rip with his right foot into the bottom corner. He doubled his and our tally in the 33rd minute with another mazy run and shot. 2-0 at half-time. Unfortunately, we let the lead slip as Maidstone scored twice in the 54th and 68th minute to level things up. Annoying that we were 2-0 up and let them back in it, but at least we didn't lose.

Vanarama National League // Sutton // Home


Sutton United were the visitors to York in our next game, and it was the man in the form Herson Alves who was the match-winner. He drove to the edge of the area and curled one into the top right-hand corner leaving the keeper with no chance. What a patch of scoring he's in! We held on anyway and got the 3 points. Our first of the month.

FA Trophy 1st Round // Boston United // Home


FA Trophy action is back, and we're through the first round and into the second. Boston United were no match for us today. Everything went right and I'm so proud of how we played. James Morton fired one past the keeper in the 20th minute, and we were 2-0 up in the 33rd when Alex Kempster nodded in a header. Happy days.

Vanarama National League // Torquay United // Away


A close fought a match against a decent side. Torquay have been hanging around mid-table all season and can beat anyone on their day. Aram Soleman scored the only goal of the game when he nipped past the last man and raced through on goal, before slotting it under the keeper and into the back of the net. He's been a decent acquisition.

Vanarama National League // Kidderminster Harriers // Home


We've beaten our old foes Kidderminster at their own place. We went behind when we conceded a penalty, before Connor Kirby produced a special strike into the top binns to level things up. Jordan Ponticelli put us ahead in the 65th minute, and we held firm at the back to collect another win.

Vanarama National League // Spennymoor Town // Home


After complaining about his amount of playing time, Jamie Thomas repaid my faith in him and scored the opening goal before the stroke of half-time. It was Alex Kempster who has been enjoying an extended stay in the first team lately who scored the second of the game. More points to add to our total.





We've started to build a lead at the top of the table, and it's now up to 6 points. Things are starting to take shape and the contenders are setting up their attack. I'm so pleased with how it's gone so far, but we need to keep going.



Herson Alves
(6 games, 3 goals, 3 assists, 7.27 rating)

Herson has won it this month as he's been unplayable. His trickery down the right-wing has totally confused full-backs all month and he's chipped in with goals and assists equally. What a player to have.

November 2021



FA Cup 1st Round // Coventry City // Home


We entertained League 1 side Coventry City in the FA Cup 1st Round, and came away with a credible 1-1 draw. The annoying thing is, is that we had a big chance right at the death to win it but failed to score. Yoan Zouma put us ahead and sent the crowd into mayhem with a powerful header from a corner! We weren't ahead for long though, as Coventry showed their class with a goal in the 66th minute. We head off to Coventry City in a replay.

Vanarama National League // Dulwich Hamlet // Home


We continue our quest to the league title with a nice win against Dulwich Hamlet. An own goal in the 75th minute gave us the lead, before Aran Soleman fired an absolute rocket into the top corner in the 95th minute to put the icing on the cake. 3 points are ours.

FA Cup 1st Round Replay// Coventry City // Away


The replay was a step too far for us! A real shame, as the board, wanted us to reach the 2nd round and I'm not sure they will be happy with me. Coventry showed their class as they were 3-0 up within 38 minutes. We pulled a goal back through Jordan Ponticelli who scored against his old club. They went into the break 4-1 up, before we scored in the 90th minute to make it a credible 4-2 result. Not bad against a League 1 side.

Vanarama National League // Dagenham & Redbridge // Away


A Jordan Ponticelli volley was the decisive goal in our latest win. Not much to say about this but we were in control for the majority of the game. Ponticelli took his chance and fired home his volley in the 4th minute! Happy days.

Vanarama National League // Harrogate // Away


A 94th minute sucker-punch took a point away from us as we lost to Harrogate Town. We didn't deserve to win the game but we definitely deserved a point. in the 94th minute, it fell to Alex Reid on the edge of the box and he powered it right through Russ Griffiths to steal a win for the home team.

Vanarama National League // FC Halifax // Home


Back to winning ways in the league and a perfect way to end the month! Martin Onoabhagbe headed home past the keeper to put us in the lead in the 8th minute. Herson Alves ran the defence silly and topped his performance off with a great solo goal in the 64th minute. Professional performance and an easy win.





We take a 2 point lead into December and also have a game in hand. Northampton are still the team doing the chasing with Eastleigh sitting in 3rd. We're where we want to be but can we sustain it!



Martin Onoabhagbe
(5 games, 1 goals, 0 assist, 7.04 rating)

Martin has been a rock at the back, and has barely lost an aerial battle! He also scored a goal in the final game of the month which shows he is a threat from set-pieces too! He's been a fine player this month!

October 2021



Vanarama National League // AFC Fylde // Away


A boring, drab, 0-0 draw to start the month off. I'm disappointed with how we played, and we should've probably won if we had taken one of our chances. Not much else to report on here, except we got a point.

Vanarama National League // Torquay United // Home


The scoreline suggests we didn't play well, but we absolutely dominated and deserved to win by a bigger margin. An own goal gave us the lead in the 52nd minute, and we deservedly went onto to gain the 3 points.

Vanarama National League // Kidderminster Harriers // Away


What a game of football! It was end to end and had goals galore in it. Martin Onoabhagbe fired home from 5 yards out to put us in the lead before Kidderminster levelled in the 11th minute. It was level for only a few seconds before Jordan Ponticelli slotted home to restore our lead. It was 2-2 on the stroke of half-time as the two sides went in on level terms. Terry Taylor broke the tie in the 61st minute with a fantastic powerful header and Jordan Ponticelli slammed past the keeper in the 70th minute to give us a two-goal cushion. Kidderminster scored the final goal of the game in the 80th minute to make it 4-3 at the final whistle. What a game!

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round // Nuneaton Borough // Away


The magic of the FA Cup is back, and we eased through the 4th qualifying round with a breeze. Kyle McFarlane was back in the starting line up and scored 4 goals as we romped to a 6-0 victory. Aram Soleman & Alex Kempster scored the other two goals! Easy as you like against a lower-ranked team. Onto the 1st Round Proper.

Vanarama National League // Swindon Town // Away


Our first defeat of the season and it was Swindon Town who inflicted it upon us. 2 penalties in the first 15 minutes was the undoing of us, with Herson Alves scored for us. A disappointing result when we should've and could've won the game. We need more discipline in the box.

Vanarama National League // Northampton Town // Home


A second defeat in a row and I'm not happy about it. This is what happened last season and I'm worried it may happen again. I'll be doing my utmost to not let this happen obviously. 2 decent goals against us, send us home with no points. Disappointing, and against our main rivals so far this season. Frustrating.

Vanarama National League // Ebbsfleet United // Home


My aggressive approach after the previous game obviously had an impact on the players. We were much better today and actually decided to show up. Aram Soleman struck the opening goal in the 24th minute. Emmanuel Adebiyi then turned it on and showed us what a player he is! He scored on the stroke of half-time with a mazy run and finish. In the 84th minute, he struck again and slammed home from 40 yards out. WHAT A STRIKE! Back on track to end the month!





We're still on top of the league 3 months in. This is where we want to be and I'm happy to be here. Our goal difference is still decent and above the rest of our competition. Despite losing 2 games this month we're still on top of the tree. Northampton can draw level with us on points if they win their game in hand though.



Emmanuel Adebiyi
(6 games, 2 goals, 1 assist, 7.10 rating)

Emmanuel has won the award this month after putting in a number of fine performances. He capped the month off with 2 solo goals and has just been consistent this month! He may well be a starter going forward.

September 2021



Vanarama National League // Kettering Town // Away


Another good start to the month, and probably our best performance to date. Jordan Ponticelli grabbed his usual goal early on to put us ahead. Terry Taylor nicked a rare goal for himself, as he flicked a header past the onrushing keeper. Alex Kempster rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it 3-0 in the 94th minute. Spot on result and performance by the boys.

Vanarama National League // Wealdstone // Home


A draw against Wealdstone may seem like a bad result, but it keeps the points ticking over, and we played fairly well, to be honest. We went behind in the first half in the 37th minute when they scored a cracking team goal and passed it around us with ease. We equalised when Herson Alves slammed home from a tight angle and we were back on level terms. It stayed that way all through the second half and that was that.

Vanarama National League // Aldershot Town // Home


Jamie Thomas secured his first goal for the club, and what a goal it was. He struck home for around 38 yards out. It was struck with venom and the keeper stood no chance. An own goal 6 minutes later meant that we had won another 3 points and rounded off a good display for us once again.

Vanarama National League // Chorley // Away


Another game, another 2-0 win. Kyle McFarlane broke free of the last man and slotted home round the keeper to put us ahead in the 5th minute. We looked comfortable for the remainder of the game and the result became more comfortable for us in the 72nd minute as Connor Kirby slammed one from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.

Vanarama National League // Maidstone // Home


The 2-0 victories are becoming a regular sight for us. Our defence is playing some solid football and the back and it's giving our attackers the freedom to do what they do best: SCORE. James Morton hit a penalty home after Ponticelli was rested. The result was confirmed as Yoan Zouma volleyed home a corner from the far post to make it 2-0. Happy days.

Vanarama National League // Cheltenham // Away


A road win against Cheltenham is never to be frowned upon, but we got lucky. A quick counter with Jordan Ponticelli at the spearhead of it, led to him firing home past the keeper in the 8th minute to give us the lead. We rode our luck as Griffiths pulled off save, after save to deny an equaliser for Cheltenham. We have to win tough games like this in order to be where we want to at the end of the season.





Another unbeaten month and things are looking positive. We are top of the tree, and sit 4 points clear of Northampton who faltered a little this month. Our goal-difference is already racking up and we sit on +21 after 12 games. Our firepower is incredible.



Russ Griffiths
(6 games, 1 goal conceded, 5 clean sheets, 6.98 rating)

Russ Griffiths has been outstanding this month, only conceding the once in the 6 games we played. He also saved a penalty somewhere in that month and won us the game with save after save against Cheltenham. A well deserved POTM trophy is now his.

August 2021



Vanarama National League // Dover // Home


A great start to the season, despite it, not being a fantastic performance. Every team wants to win the opener and we did just that. Jodran Ponticelli, starting up front, opened the scoring in the 30th minute to put us in the lead. We held out for the remainder of the game and sent our fans to home happy with how the opening day went.

Vanarama National League // Spennymoor Town // Away


We visited the northern side Spennymoor Town, and put on a display of fantasy football for our travelling fans to adore. Jordan Ponticelli opened the scoring on the 17th minute when he slotted home a penalty. He got his second of the game in the 39th minute before Paul Lewis hit a rocket from the edge of the D to make it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time. We continued our scoring through Lewis again in the 54th minute. Substitute Connor Kirby slotted underneath the keeper to make it 5-0 as the clock ticked past 92. Bish, bash, bosh, job done.

Vanarama National League // Chorley Town // Away


Chorley Town came to York and departed stealing 3 points from us. We were the better team but conceded too easily on the counter. Okera Simmonds used his pace and slotted the ball home in the 60th minute to inflict a second defeat in a row on us.

Vanarama National League // Bromley // Home


We played some fantastic football against Bromley but we just couldn't find the back of the net, no matter what we tried. It was just one of those games, and eventually, we ran out of time. We wouldn't have scored if we played another 500 minutes. A point gained though.

Vanarama National League // Yeovil Town // Away


Our first visit to Yeovil Town, our playoff conquerors, and we have our revenge. We were professional and did our job perfectly. We went behind early doors, but Jordan Ponticelli pulled one back to equalise in the 20th minute. He added to his tally and put us in the lead from the penalty spot. It was Paul Lewis who put the icing on the cake in the 36th minute to carry on his good form. A very nice victory and one for our fans to relish in.

Vanarama National League // Eastleigh // Home


Another 3-1 victory and we carry on our good form. Eastleigh were the visitors this time around. We went behind early once again but 2 goals in quick succession from James Morton and Herson Alves just before the stroke of half-time put us ahead. A perfect time to score. Herson grabbed his second and our 3rd and he dribbled his way past 3 defenders and fired home in the 52nd minute.

Vanarama National League // Maidenhead United // Away


A much tighter affair than I expected as we visited struggling Maidenhead. Paul Lewis capped his fine month off by putting us ahead at the end of the first half. Jordan Ponticelli struck from distance to put us further ahead at 2-0 before Maidenhead made it a tense finish as they beat Griffiths from distance. We hung on and finished our month unbeaten and playing well.





A very good first month in our second season in the Vanarama National League. We're hunting for the title and we're going the right way about it. We sit in 2nd, only because we have played one game less than Northampton Town who currently occupy 1st place. Our goal difference is better and things are looking good.



Jordan Ponticelli
(6 games, 6 goals, 1 assists, 7.29 rating)

Jordan has won the starting strikers job ahead of Jamie Thomas & Kyle McFarlane and has cemented it for another month at least. He is scoring freely and I'm hoping he can keep this up. He's always a threat on the break and has superb finishing stats.

Aram Soleman // AML // Free Transfer


Aram has been signed from the league below as he's shown extreme promise and quality during his last season with Guiesley. He drew interest from league two teams so I'm thrilled to have got him. He has great potential and I'm hoping he can show this with us. His fitness is out of this world, and his off the ball work is one of his greatest strengths. He should fit in nicely with what we do here.

James Morton // CM // Free Transfer


James comes in like the others, with the high potential ability and I'm ecstatic to have a player of his quality with us. He's 22 so has time on his side. He's another player for us in the middle of the park. I have to have the best CM options in the league by far with Kirby, Lewis, Adebiyi and Morton.

Jamie Thomas // ST // Free Transfer


Jamie is one that I couldn't sign. He was on a free and is miles better than my two strikers McFarlane & Ponticelli apparently. It'll be hard to beat my favourite man McFarlane though. His finishing and his pace will make things hard for defenders so I'm hoping he will score freely when used.

Jordan Ponticelli // ST // Macclesfield Town // Free


I've signed Jordan on a permanent transfer after his successful loan campaign with us last time around. He will feature heavily for us once again and I'm hoping he can kick on from his 12 goals last season.





Once again, we've had a mixture of results in pre-season, against a variety of teams. It's all about the fitness though and I'm pleased with how our preparations have gone. We picked up a few needless injuries but that always happens. A good 3-0 victory against Chester was probably the pick of the results, but the 1-1 draw with Doncaster wasn't too bad either.



We've actually been made favourites to win the league by the bookies, so all pressure will be on us. I'll be thriving on this and hopefully, we can live up to these pre-season odds.

April 2021



Vanarama National League // AFC Fylde // Home


The perfect start to the month and what a performance. A 4-0 thrashing of a decent team. Jordan Ponticelli smashed two penalties in, whilst Sean Newton scored a screamer before Kieran Green slotted one home off the bench to complete the rout.

Vanarama National League // Torquay United // Away


A frustrating game and one that we really needed to win in order to win the league. We needed every result to go our way and this hasn't. We should've won the game but Torquay took their chance early on and kept us out for the remainder so fair play to them.

Vanarama National League // Northampton Town // Away


The most boring of games and that is it for our league title challenges this season. Why couldn't we just string some good performances together at the crucial end of the season! So annoying.

Vanarama National League // Sutton United // Home


URGH, I hate this game. Another loss, but it doesn't matter anyway, we've already qualified for the playoffs. Sutton scored a spectacular goal to give them the lead and all 3 points. It also kept them up on the last day of the season. Not the way we wanted to end the regular season though.





That's it for the season, and Barnet have won the league title and promotion to the football league, but can we join them after this spectacular season we've had? Time will tell...



Vanarama National League Playoff Semi-Final // Yeovil Town // Home


We were drawn against Yeovil Town and this is a game I expected us to win thanks to our previous win against them only a month ago. It wasn't to be as we bowed out of the playoffs at this early stage due to a horrendously late goal on the counter. It's frustrating but we have to look back on what has been a good season and we now need to build on it for next season as I expect us to win the league. David Ferguson smashed a left-footed volley in to send the crowd into raptures and put us in the lead. We only lead for 2 minutes as Yeovil hit back immediately. It was a cruel blow to concede right at the death but that's football.

March 2021



Vanarama National League // Aldershot Town // Home


Emmanuel Adebiyi hit an absolute rocket to strike midway through the second half which ensured us a massive three points against a very good Aldershot side. It was a very close game and could've gone either way, but a bit of magic from him was enough to settle it. A good start to the month!

Vanarama National League // Wrexham // Home


I'll gladly take a point, as it could've been 0. We rode our luck and stuck in there right until the end. It was a sloppy game from both teams but I'd say Wrexham had the better chances. We didn't seem to be firing on all cylinders but that happens every now and then. It's just important to get it sorted for the next game.

Vanarama National League // Dag & Red // Away


We sorted it all right! 2 penalties from Kyle McFarlane who has been plagued with injury for most of the season was enough to bring home the points. We played alright and did enough to win. That's the important thing. 3 points.

Vanarama National League // Boreham Wood // Away


This is a game that we need to forget and move on from as quickly as possible. The only thing that went right for us was a freekick from Connor Kirby in the 3rd minute. From then on, it went wrong. A bad result at a time where we really need positive ones. Could the challenge for the league title be slipping away?

Vanarama National League // Chorley // Home


We're faltering at the wrong stage of the season. A draw isn't great at this point but again, we need to keep the points flowing so I'll take it. Emmanuel Adebiyi scored an absolute rocket once again. He has some belters in his locker. A 1-1 draw it ended.

Vanarama National League // Dover // Home


This is more like it. A stunning 5-1 victory over a poor team. Connor Kirby fired home in the 15th minute, before Martin Onoebhagbe placed a header into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. It was 3-0 when Yoan Zouma side-footed home a volley in the 36th minute. Alex Kempster then got a strange red card for a foul that seemed to be nothing. His band was eventually rescinded and removed. Dover pulled one back on the other side of half time before Jordan Ponticelli and Kyle McFarlane scored identical goals in the 83rd and 85th minute. A comprehensive win.

Vanarama National League // Yeovil Town // Away


We just pulled off a total smash and grab a win against Yeovil Town which I'm sure will please @Dan. We didn't deserve the 3 points but we've got them. Jordan Ponticelli won and converted a penalty in the 89th minute before Cameron Archer beat the last defender and rounded the keeper before slotting it into an empty net for the win. Scenes.





4 games to go, and only 3 points behind Barnet. Whatever happens, it's been a remarkable season and a ridiculous comeback. I'm hoping we can go all the way though!!



Emmanuel Adebiyi
(7 games, 2 goals, 0 assists, 7.10 rating)

Emmanuel has won it again, purely for his two absolute screamers! He's an energy source in the middle of the park and we're lucky to have him. He's so technically gifted and give us a different dynamic.

February 2021



Vanarama National League // Kidderminster Harriers // Away


Not the start we wanted this month against a team we should be beating (no offence to Kidderminster) but these results happen from time to time. It was an even game, but they took their chance when it came and we didn't. We move on quickly.

FA Trophy 3rd Round // Wrexham // Away


Another win in this competition. The beauty of the FA Trophy is that it's so open, and literally anyone can win it. What a game we had for us. Connor Kirby scored a lovely dinked finish to put us ahead. We went 2-0 up when Alex Kempster fired home a bobbling ball in the box from a corner. It was soon 2-2 and all square as Wrexham hit back with 2 quick goals in the 25th and 28th minutes. The game-winner came courtesy of Jordan Ponticelli played a lovely one-two with Kirby and fired home underneath the keeper. A good win and we progress into the 4th Round.

Vanarama National League // Solihull Moors // Home


This is more like it. We get back to winning ways in the league with a thumping 4-1 victory against Solihull Moors. Jordan Ponticelli smashed home from 20 yards to put us 1-0 ahead before the Connor Kirby show began. He scored a perfect hat-trick in the 18th, 42nd and 50th minutes. He was absolutely outstanding and I can't believe we've got a player of his calibre at our club. Totally deserved to win this one.

Vanarama National League // Maidstone // Away


Back to back wins and we're right on track. An away game is never easy but we looked confident and assured in this one. That man Connor Kirby continued his good form as he slotted one round the keeper into the far corner to open the scoring. Herson Alves completed the scoring and rounded off a decent performance with a spectacular volley to make it 2-0.

Vanarama National League // Ebbsfleet // Away


3 Wins in a row now! Things are coming together nicely and once again we played some lovely football. The only downside is that we made a struggle out of this game and it took until the 88th minute for us to find a winner. Connor Kirby once again, this time headed home from a corner to win us the game. Could've been frustrating if we couldn't find a way through.

FA Trophy 4th Round // Barnet // Away


So, the dream of winning the FA Trophy is over as we crash out at the expense of Barnet who get their revenge for the earlier league defeat. They were clinical and we were not. We went behind through a penalty before it got worse after a defensive error led to a second. Time to focus on the league.





Once again, we rise up the table and we sit in 3rd position, only 5 points behind the leaders Barnet. It's going to be a close finish but I'd be happy with playoffs. Wouldn't it be great if we could win the title though? Pipe dream maybe, but I'll give it my best shot.



Connor Kirby
(6 games, 6 goals, 2 assists, 7.59 rating)

Connor Kirby will be no surprise to you at all. He's been on fire scoring 6 goals in the last 6 games which is insane for a centre midfielder. He's a captain, leader and fast becoming a legend at this club. What a find he's been.

January 2021



Vanarama National League // Eastleigh // Away


A good start to the month as we managed to pick up an away win against Eastleigh. A fine strike from Jordan Ponticelli just after the break was the difference and gave us all 3 points.

FA Trophy 2nd Round // Braintree Town // Home


Back to the FA Trophy, and we march on to the 3rd round after a good 2-1 win against Braintree Town. David Ferguson grabbed a rare goal from left-back as he flew down the wing and fired a cross in that sneaked in at the far post. Weird but we will definitely take it. Then, a goal of the season contender from Paul Lewis as he hit a thunderous half-volley from 40 yards out which flew into the top corner of the net leaving the keeper with no chance. A fitting match-winner. We march on.

Vanarama National League // Barnet // Home


League leaders Barnet came to town, and we sent them away with their tails between their legs. We somehow managed to nick a win with Kyle McFarlane back from injury proving to be the match-winner as he broke free of the defence and slotted under the keeper to spark scenes in the crowd. We held on and claimed the points.

Vanarama National League // Hartlepool // Away


Our best performance of the month, and away from home as well! We started well and dominated for the rest of the game. McFarlane opened the scoring on 39 minutes, before Herson Alves weaved in from the right-wing and fired round the keeper to make it 2-0 right on half-time. Alex Kempster completed the scoring just after the break as he looped a curling effort into the top bins. Easy as you like from the Minstermen.

Vanarama National League // Maidenhead // Home


A game that had pretty much everything. Goals galore and we were on the right side of the result! Ponticelli won a penalty in the 2nd minute and coolly slotted it home to put us ahead. Kempster doubled the advantage in the 8th minute before Maidenhead pulled one back. Herson Alves who is in fine form at the moment restored our 2 goal advantage with a good finish before Maidenhead cut the deficit back down to 1 in the 88th minute. Cameron Archer finished them off in the 90th as he raced free of all defenders and slotted home to win us the game.





Our first unbeaten month and it's put us in a strong position in the playoff race! We now sit in 5th, and could quite easily challenge for the title with another month like that! 10 points ahead of 8th position. We just need to keep playing and concentrate right until the end.



Herson Alves
(5 games, 2 goals, 2 assists, 7.34 rating)

Herson Alves was the main man this month bagging 2 goals and also setting 2 goals up. His trickery on the wing has bamboozled defenders all month and he's the winner this time around.

December 2020



Herson Alves // AMR // Free Transfer


I actually tried to sign Herson in the Summer but he opted to sign for Cheltenham instead which is understandable as they are in League 2. His contract was terminated there and I jumped at the chance to get him signed up again. He is a tricky winger with a bit of pace and a deadly thunderbolt of a shot. Decent pick up halfway through the season.

Connor Kirby // CM // Free Transfer


Another dive into the free-agent market and we've found another gem. He's taken the captains' armband already and is shining. We've switched to 3 in the middle of the park so I needed another body in there. He's technically gifted and can get between the boxes with ease. He should progress into a quality player for us.



Vanarama National League // Sutton United // Away


We faced our FA Cup conquerors Sutton in a rematch, but this time in the league. We managed to enact our revenge with a sneaky 1-0 victory. Herson Alves on his debut smashed home an absolute rocket from a tight angle. We deserved our win but it's always nicer against someone who put one over on you last time out.

Vanarama National League // Dulwich Hamlet // Home


We returned to York and carried on our winning form with a 2-0 win against Dulwich Hamlet. We never looked in trouble in this game and controlled it from start to finish. Alex Kempster went on a mazy run into the box and fired past the keeper to open the scoring. Connor Kirby added a second with a well-hit strike from the edge. Professional performance and 3 points gained.

FA Trophy 1st Round // Kings Lynn // Away


We turned our attentions to the FA Trophy where we faced a tough Kings Lynn side. It was an even content which showed in the full-time result of 2-2. We went behind early but a Cameron Archer and Alex Kempster double either side of half time saw us go ahead. It was quickly levelled up again though in the 59th minute before a sending off for Kings Lynn left them fighting to stay in the game with 10 men. We used this to our advantage in extra time as Jordan Ponticelli slammed home in the 105th minute to win us the game. Onto the 2nd Round.

Vanarama National League // FC Halifax Town // Home


Back to the league and we carried on our good form. It was a day for the defenders as after Jordan Ponticelli had fired us in front in the 8th minute, Martin Onoabhagbe headed past an onrushing keeper from a corner to double our advantage. The game was over before half-time as Yoan Zouma flicked a header from a tight angle into the top corner of the net bang on half-time. A thoroughly good result and keeps things moving in the right direction.

Vanarama National League // Boston United // Home


We just about gain the win and progress into the 1st Round Proper. We weren't at the races for 90 minutes and couldn't string 3 passes together but we forced a penalty shootout. The shootout lacked quality just like the game did, but we eventually fired home the winning penalty and won 4-3 on penalties. Just need to put this round behind us and focus on the next one.

Vanarama National League // Woking // Away


Another league game and another 3 points in the bag. Connor Kirby struck home a long-range shot in the 75th minute to eventually break the deadlock. Not the most convincing of results but they all count in the end.

Vanarama National League // Harrogate Town // Home


We ended this segment with a terrible performance against Harrogate Town. Harrogate sit just above us in the league so I knew it would be a hard game. We didn't fight for it and got what we deserved. A red card for Terry Taylor left us trying to claw the game back with a man down after Paul Lewis had given us a lifeline to make it 2-1. It was put to bed though in injury time as Harrogate scored again to win 3-1. Not how I wanted to end the month.





What a month we had (apart from the mad loss against Harrogate). We've propelled ourselves back into the playoffs and now sit in 6th position. We're on the rise and need to keep pushing on. We can't afford to have a bad month again as it's close all around us.



Connor Kirby
(5 games, 2 goals, 0 assists, 7.11 rating)

Connor Kirby snatched the award this month with Jordan Ponticelli coming closely behind in second place. Connor has settled quickly and has already made captain. 2 goals as well isn't bad for a holding midfielder eh.

November 2020



FA Cup 1st Round // Sutton United // Away


After struggling to progress through the qualifying round we were drawn against Sutton United who are performing around the same level as us in the league this season. It was a tight game, but a wonder strike from them gave them the victory and passage through to the 2nd Round. I'm not too disappointed as we've done what we were expected too.

Vanarama National League // Aldershot Town // Away


Our first league game this month, and it was an absolute cracker of a match for the neutrals. Aldershot is one of the form teams this season, and to gain a draw is pretty good for us. We actually went 2-0 up in this game through Macauley Langstaff and Kyle McFarlane. Aldershot pulled two back before McFarlane added a 3rd which looked to put the game out of sight. We were unlucky to concede a flukey goal right on the full-time whistle meaning it ended in a draw.

Vanarama National League // Dagenham and Redbridge // Home


Dag & Red came to York trying to steal 3 points from us. We were favourites for the game, and just about lived up to that. Alex Kempster fired home a volley to put us ahead, and we held on despite a bit of pressure towards the end. A good win and one that we needed.

Vanarama National League // Solihull Moors // Away


Solihull Moors are one of those teams that always seem to beat me on the game, but not today! We put in a performance of the highest quality to return to York with all 3 points. We went behind in the 26th minute before Paul Lewis rocketed a shot from the edge of the area into the top corner to draw us level. Pontincelli put us in front with a well placed shot into the corner, before adding to his tally from the penalty spot. Solihull pulled another goal back before McFarlane sealed the victory in 86th minute. A good win and 3 more points.

Vanarama National League // Maidenhead United // Home


A draw to end the month, and a disappointing performance. I can't believe we didn't win this game after all the chances we had. We were so poor in front of goal and I'm not sure what else to say. A point is better than 0 though I guess.





Another decent month in terms of the league. We've climbed further up the league, and are sitting just outside the playoffs. We're only 2 points behind them now and I'm confident we can kick on and get into them come to the end of the season. Much better.



Kyle McFarlane
(5 games, 3 goals, 1 assists, 7.20 rating)

Kyle McFarlane wins this award again, as he has done numerous times, as he's the only real goal threat we've got. He's performing at the top of his game and could easily be our player of ths season once again.