INTENSITY and composure are two assets interim York City manager John Askey is looking to work on as he looks ahead to his second game in charge of the Minstermen.

Askey's first game in the City hot-seat ended in a disappointing National League North defeat at home to Kettering Town, after which he bemoaned his side's work rate.

It has indeed been the case this season that some of City's play has suffered by players being too hesitant or timid on the ball, while attacking potency remains a concern with the team having gone four games without a goal from open play.

Former Macclesfield stalwart Askey has a chance to allay some fears for City tomorrow when they host Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy second round (3pm).

“I think if they train with an intensity, that improves you as a player. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at," Askey explained.

“If you’ve got less time on the ball, your decision-making has to be better, so if you can get that intensity in the training, it improves you.

“Then once we’ve got that, we start to work on the team and how we’re going to play as a team, their understanding of their role in the team.

“Then if we can get that then we’ve got a better chance.

“If you just go out and play, not really understanding what your role is or what other people’s role is in the team, then you’re relying on a little bit of luck and sheer ability.

“We saw that a little bit with Man United. I’m not saying that was what was going on at York - I don’t know what’s gone on previously.

“We were talking about (composure) today," he continued. "Sometimes when they get hold of the ball, it’s like a hot potato and they think they’ve got to do everything at 100 miles an hour.

“They’ve got to understand when they’ve got time, having less touches on the ball, and passing, moving and giving other team-mates options on the ball."

Meanwhile, left-back Mitch Hancox's loan from Hereford has been extended until January.