1 City must keep their reliance on young players to a minimum

One impartial observer, without any affiliation to either club, commented after Saturday’s final whistle that the game had been a contest of “Men against Boys.” It was difficult to disagree with his analysis, as seven of the 14 visiting players used at Hayes Lane were under the age of 21, including three teenagers.

On-loan Barnsley striker Jake Charles was given his first-ever professional start leading the City line, while youth-team scholar Alex Bruton made his debut as a second half substitute. Aside from a 20-year-old Shaun Rooney, the other four rookies’ Luke Woodland, Callum Rzonca, Charlie Cooper and Robbie McDaid’s exposure to senior football isn’t much greater.

Injuries and suspension meant manager Gary Mills’ options were somewhat compromised in Kent but, perhaps the biggest lesson, of so many learned last season, was that it is unfair and unwise to throw untried youngsters into the midst of a relegation battle. Alan Hansen once famously ended up with egg on his face when he prophesised that Manchester United would never win anything with kids before they went on to do the double, but that class of ’92 were the exception rather than the rule and, with a greater emphasis on the physical side of the game clear as you drop further down the football pyramid, the lower reaches of the National League are as unforgiving an environment as any for fledgling professionals or apprentices.

Possibly the two youngsters who have shown themselves best equipped to deal with the robust side of the game – Tyler Walton and Sam Fielding – haven’t been given their opportunity as yet by Mills, who will surely be looking to make more experienced additions, where possible, with his next forays into the transfer market.

York Press: 2 The Minstermen need on-pitch leadership

Whilst half of Saturday’s side were fresh-faced, the likes of skipper Simon Heslop (29), Yan Klukowski (29), Kyle Letheren (28), Sean Newton (28), Danny Holmes (27) and Scott Fenwick (26) should carry the wisdom expected of more-seasoned campaigners. But, if that was the case, there was little evidence of that knowledge being passed on to those around them.

On-pitch communication was muted and, while demonstrative actions can be for affect in the game, the senior players’ body language carried a frustrating air of resignation. Such players must be seen to encourage, cajole, guide, instruct and, if needed, demand better from the rest of the team. Surrendering will not be accepted by City’s loyal supporters, who now, unthinkably, have grave concerns about the preservation of their club’s National League status.

York Press: 3 City’s centre-back shortage needs addressing quickly, but sensibly 

Having replaced Yan Klukowski early in the second half, Mills appeared to be making an admission that the experiment of playing the long-time midfielder at the heart of his back three had probably run its course. As pointed out by the Minstermen chief previously, though, if Klukowski is the best option currently on the books, he has little alternative but to play him there until he can recruit somebody better, which is a process that, no matter how urgent, can’t lead to panic recruitment.

At Bromley, the Minstermen’s back line’s lack of pace struggled to contain lone striker Tobi Sho-Silva, who also relished the gaps to run into that a three-man defence tends to offer, as opposed to a back four. The addition of a recognised central defender, or ideally two, would also, no doubt, increase City’s set-piece resilience with five goals having now been conceded from dead-ball deliveries in the last two matches.

York Press: 4 Alex Whittle is maintaining an unmatched level of consistency

While so many of his team-mates have been mediocre or, in many cases, much worse this term, left-back Whittle has been the one player who has produced acceptable displays from one game to the next. At Bromley, he was the side’s best attacking outlet with his positive raids down the flank and he also defends with a disciplined determination that must run through the whole team.

York Press: 5 Kyle Letheren probably deserves to stay in goal following his recall to the team

Keepers Letheren, Scott Flinders and Luke Simpson have all been given ample chance to demonstrate their shot-stopping ability this season, largely due to the amount of attempts they have had to face during some difficult contests. Saturday was no different with Letheren needing to contend with ten on-target efforts, making double saves on two occasions.

He had a couple of uncertain and unorthodox moments, including punching into the air twice a ball into his box that he then eventually caught. But constantly swapping net-minders does little for team stability or morale and, given that his performances this season see him head The Press’ Player of the Year standings, he probably merits another run between the sticks after only losing his place due to injury.