Five Things We Learned from York City's 5-0 win at Bradford Park Avenue

As many a promoted, free-scoring Championship striker would no doubt attest, when you step up a level in football the frequency of goal opportunities generally dwindles. For any club moving in the opposite direction – and York City have just suffered back-to-back relegations – the reverse is true, as Gary Mills’ team have discovered during their last two contests.

Having created a hatful of openings during the first half at Blyth, but found the net just twice. The Minstermen also carved through Bradford Park Avenue at will from the kick off and, this time, forged 4-0 in front just past the half-hour mark.

Every match is obviously different and Telford were very well organised defensively on their way to a 1-0 opening-day victory at Bootham Crescent. But the game against Bradford, just as at Blyth and, indeed, Nuneaton last term when City raced into a 3-0 FA Trophy lead, proved the rewards are obvious for teams who attempt to play fast attacking football in this country’s sixth tier.

When an abnormal abundance of chances come a team’s way, though, it is important not to get sloppy and adopt the mindset that another one will follow just around the corner. Amari Morgan-Smith showed that he had learned from his profligacy in three one-on-one situations at Blyth with the incisive manner in which he finished when finding himself clear on goal just 12 minutes into this match.

He also snaffled up his next chance to score twice in a game for the first time since August 2015. Prior to the weekend, Mills claimed Morgan-Smith could have been sitting on six goals already this season and developing good habits, in terms of ruthlessness, will be of particular benefit in the games – and there will be some – when scoring situations are scarcer.

2 City are a force to be reckoned with in the air

Mills’ 2012 double-Wembley winning Bootham Crescent team were renowned for their ability on the floor and this side can also play a bit when necessary. However, they are a physical match for most and, with hulking forward Jon Parkin sidelined, Michael Rankine stepped in to bully the Bradford defence in any contest for a high ball forward.

It wasn’t just Rankine that stood tall, though. Centre-back Dan Parslow headed in the opening goal, before Rankine and Hamza Bencherif also climbed above the opposition defenders to get away further goal attempts, as City asserted their authority in the home box within the first eight minutes.

Rankine also helped on Jon Worsnop’s long goal kick to create the game’s second goal for Morgan-Smith and, at the other end of the pitch, Bencherif outjumped ex-City striker Adam Boyes repeatedly prior to his red card.

3 Gary Mills remains an expert man-manager

Having got the best out of Adriano Moke at Blyth after challenging the midfielder to establish himself as a regular pick for the first time in his career at 27, Mills has told Louis Almond to work harder if, at 25, he is to fulfil his potential. Almond responded with a virtuoso attacking display that saw him lay on all five goals for his team.

The City boss clearly recognises the talent both players possess and is using the best method he sees fit to coax it out of them on a consistent basis. Moke and Almond should regard such attention as a compliment rather than criticism as Mills is aware the pair can be vital performers for his side if they continue to act on his gentle persuasion.

If they don’t, as Mills has also pointed out, they won’t play.

4 Jon Parkin is not the club’s only predator

Almost as notable as the number of Saturday’s goals was their nature, with all five scored from inside the six-yard box. With the exception of unfortunate home defender Luca Havern, of course, away marksmen Morgan-Smith, Parslow and Sean Newton all displayed a hunger to get on the scoresheet by taking up positions so close to goal.

Matty Blair – the only player to score 20 goals in a season for City during the last seven campaigns – purposefully used to charge into the six-yard box to increase his chances of netting and such desire often pays dividends.

5 City fans are embracing life in National League North

All of a red-and-blue allegiance are clearly hoping their team’s sixth-tier stint will be short-lived but, for now, the novelty of regionalised football is proving palatable. Along with shorter trips and new places to see, the level of hospitality for City’s 845-strong following at Bradford’s Cemetery Road ground extended to the erecting of a beer tent in the away end - providing the perfect opportunity to toast their side’s biggest victory in six years.