5 Things We Learned from York City's 2-1 defeat at Forest Green

The 29-year-old forward’s heavy frame has attracted derision from opposition fans, as well as jibes from his own club’s supporters and, understandably, raised question marks about his ability to cut it at pro level six years on from plundering an incredible 37 goals for City in the 2009/10 campaign. Judging by his display at the New Lawn, on the back of being the Minstermen’s best performer during the 6-1 debacle at Gateshead, Brodie still has plenty to offer though.

He has more pounds to shed and maintaining the required off-pitch discipline to stay in an acceptable condition will hold the key to a long-term rejuvenation for the former Newcastle Benfield marksman’s career. But he is on the right track.

Brodie’s first-half goal was a clinical example of his shooting power and he almost added a spectacular second shortly afterwards. He also unsettled home defenders with his determination and physique in a manner that proved beyond Vadaine Oliver last season.

His aggression and enthusiasm will need to be controlled and channelled – the meaty challenge that led to his first-half caution could have resulted in a red card on another afternoon – but no National League defender will relish facing a fit and firing Brodie, who remains committed to making a success of his second spell at Bootham Crescent.

2 Aidan Connolly is vital to City’s attacking fluency

In his absence at Gateshead due to a hamstring injury, the Minstermen managed just two shots at goal all night, other than Richard Brodie’s penalty. But, at Forest Green, the impish Scotsman was the instigator of three opportunities within the first 20 minutes, culminating in Brodie’s opening goal.

He had the well-fancied hosts on the back foot from the start, whereas Gateshead had quickly seized the attacking initiative when his team sorely missed the ex-Dundee United winger’s willingness to receive the ball and keep it, while driving forward and creating chances for the team. Connolly’s roving role, rather than shackling him to one flank, also causes opposition defences countless problems in terms of containing his threat.

3 Matt Dixon can impose himself in professional football

The former Hull City under-21s skipper has only made quiet contributions since his January arrival at Bootham Crescent. He had a minimal influence on the games he featured in last term and, with experienced trio Simon Heslop, Clovis Kamdjo and Yan Klukowski recruited in the close season, risked becoming marginalised.

He was preferred to Kamdjo, though, at Forest Green and responded with by far the best of his ten outings for the Minstermen. Dixon didn’t shirk a tackle all afternoon and, in the second half, displayed forward thrust with a fine edge-of-the-box effort and two right-wing crosses that led to chances for Daniel Nti and Klukowski.

Like the team, he now needs to demonstrate that his display is the platform for a string of more consistent showings, rather than a one-off reaction to the Gateshead humiliation and a false dawn.

4 Refereeing standards are not getting any better

David Rock looked an accomplished official on the opening day at Maidstone but, ever since, the National League’s whistle blowers haven’t covered themselves in glory. Steve Rushton plumbed new depths, though, on Saturday, upsetting both managers during an erratic afternoon.

Simon Heslop’s red card for two bookable offences – with neither dangerous in terms of their intent or area of the pitch – was extremely harsh, while the penalty award even seemed to surprise home players and fans alike. 

5 Matt Tubbs and Rhys Murphy represent an enviable front line

Forest Green have invested in proven firepower over the summer and the visitors’ long-term nemesis Tubbs always looked like getting on the scoresheet for a fifth different team against City. Following the visitors’ early dominance, he highlighted his penalty-box nous by getting into a series of promising positions before displaying composure and nerve to win the game with a stylish spot kick.

Murphy, meanwhile, dropped into deeper positions to offer quality on the ball, whilst also getting on the end of Ben Jefford’s cross for the equaliser. Manager Mark Cooper had not started the pair together before City’s visit, but that might change now, with their playing styles looking dangerously compatible.