A truly remarkable effort has seen York improve upon their previous two campaigns in the National League, where they twice only confirmed survival on the final day.
But with City now out of both cup competitions and focus firmly remaining on the rest of the National League season, how has each player graded so far this campaign?
HARRISON MALE – A
The goalkeeper has proven to be one of York’s most reliable assets so far this season, often providing game-deciding saves that has earned City multiple points this campaign.
He’s played a major part in the Minstermen’s record of clean sheets this season, which stands at the most in the table, with Male managing 10 clean sheets from 20 games, and conceding just 15 times all campaign.
RORY WATSON – C
York’s back-up shot-stopper is a very solid option as reinforcement behind Male, and hasn’t had as much of an opportunity in the National League as of late, despite Adam Hinshelwood’s nature to switch goalkeepers earlier in the season.
He’s conceded five goals in four games, and has kept two clean sheets in that time, but is prone to a mistake, as was shown in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Gainsborough Trinity.
JOE FELIX – A+
The right-back has arguably been York’s Player of the Season so far, with some exemplary performances all over the pitch.
As expected, having played under Hinshelwood at Worthing, Felix has taken to the play style brilliantly and works tirelessly in whichever position he’s put in. Right-back, left-back, central midfield, Felix has been as reliable as they come this season.
RYAN FALLOWFIELD – C
It’s been an okay season for Fallowfield, but you still feel like there’s more to come.
The former Clubman of the Year winner is out of contract in the Summer, and Hinshelwood has previously commented that Fallowfield has struggled to adapt to having the ball at his feet more often. He’s made just two starts in City’s last nine but it still a grafter for the club.
JEFF KING – D
King is another player who has more to offer, and we haven’t really seen much of him since his move in November.
Just four appearances and one start, which came on Saturday, for King. A player who is yet to really show a similar vein of form as shown at Chesterfield.
CALLUM HOWE – A+
Howe has been one of York’s most consistent performers all season, and has been an absolute rock at the back.
His partnership with Malachi Fagan-Walcott has been impenetrable at times, and he’s even managed to fit into a side which relies on passing out from the back, despite it admittedly not being his usual strength.
MALACHI FAGAN-WALCOTT – A
The centre-back partner has been brilliant this season.
He’s shown incredible composure despite his age, and it was a real statement of intent to make the move permanent on Christmas Eve.
DARRAGH O’CONNOR – C
A player who we’re yet to see the best of, with an injury setting the centre-back back for a number of months. Looked solid in his cameo on Saturday.
ADAM CROOKES – C
Crookes has made four appearances all season and has been heavily hampered with injury, but when he has played, he’s been relatively solid.
If he could find a way to put his injury concerns behind him, it could prove to be a real coup to have a left-sided defender with his quality.
CAMERON JOHN- C
John is another player to have struggled with injury, and there is still the consensus that there could be more to come.
He’s look solid enough when playing, and has formed a good partnership with Tyrese Sinclair down that left-wing.
DAN BATTY – A
Another brilliant player for Hinshelwood’s system, Batty has really mastered his role in that holding midfield position.
He tops the division in a number of passing statistics and does the gritty work well too.
ALEX HUNT – B
Hunt has been a great partner for Batty in the middle, and again does his role to perfection. His ability to get on the ball and work it forward alongside Batty has been key in unlocking opposition defences this campaign.
Not forgetting his free-kick record this season too, having netted two spectacular strikes.
RICKY AGUIAR – B
Another midfielder who came in on a permanent in the Summer, Aguiar has competed for a position in the starting 11 and offers the similar sort of role as Hunt.
His ability to shift into defence as cover, but to also join the attack is an underrated trait at this level.
MARVIN ARMSTRONG – B+
An absolute workhorse who has only missed minutes this season due to working so hard!
His ability to press and force mistakes has allowed York’s admittedly more technical players to thrive, with Armstrong leaving it all out on the field every time.
PADDY MCLAUGHLIN – D
You really do get the feeling that this could be McLaughlin’s last season as a City player, with the midfielder finding game time limited this season.
He offers leadership off the pitch, but York’s rise in quality in the off-season has left the 33-year-old often out of the squad.
ASHLEY NATHANIEL-GEORGE – A
The winger has been a real threat for York this season, whether if it’s centrally or out wide, scoring five in 23 so far.
BILLY CHADWICK – C
Similarly to McLaughlin, the rise in quality has sort of hampered Chadwick’s opportunities this season.
A spell at Boston United brought some game time, but there’s still a feeling of more to come.
TYRESE SINCLAIR – B
Sinclair has been a threat down the left-hand side, and holds himself to a high standard, often visibly showing his frustration when struggling to have an impact.
He’s having an impact and has scored six goals in 25 games, so he’s had a good contribution so far.
DAVID AJIBOYE – C
Again, it feels like there’s more to come from the winger.
He’s yet to really set the world alight with York, and as a player who looks likely to leave Peterborough United in the Summer, he’s fighting for a contract either with City or elsewhere.
OLLIE PEARCE – A+
The National League top scorer, a player with real quality who has made the difference countless times this campaign.
DIPO AKINYEMI – C
He’s unfortunately not really got going yet this season, and it almost feels like he’s a victim of York’s own success, having played such a vital role in their survival last campaign.
A move to the wing has seen his goal involvements become limited, with Akinyemi keen to get back on the right track.
LENELL JOHN-LEWIS – B
Prior to his injury, ‘the Shop’ was City’s top scorer and had a habit of earning late points for the Minstermen.
He’s now back and will be hopeful of picking up from where he left of.
