YORK City fell to a underwhelming 2-1 defeat to Maidenhead United on Saturday, despite a late consolation goal from captain Lenell John-Lewis.

Here are five things we learnt from the Vanarama National League clash.

1. A change is needed

York’s defeat to Maidenhead on Saturday was nothing short of not good enough. 

But with shouts for chairman Glen Henderson to depart the club, and the owner allegedly swearing at supporters in response, the club has become a very toxic place to be right now. 

A change feels desperately needed behind-the-scenes, with pressure beginning to build on players and management alike. High expectations are always going to be required of the Minstemen, and right now those demands are not being met. 

2. Bouncing back

The need for York to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointment is critically high. 

But with tough back-to-back Saturday fixtures against a high-flying Southend United, and a midweek fixture against a resilient Solihull Moors who have recruited strongly in the last week, the task will prove to be a difficult one for David Webb’s side. 

Nevertheless, back-to-back defeats in must-win matches for York against Oldham Athletic and Maidenhead now require City to gain points in their next two league fixtures against tough opposition, or Webb’s side risk slipping even closer to the dreaded relegation zone. 

3. Confident captain?

It’s no secret that club captain John-Lewis is one of York’s most influential players on and off of the pitch. 

But with the striker seeming to prefer scoring away from home compared to in front of the LNER Community Stadium this season, it’s a major positive that he was able to break his home league duck against Maidenhead on Saturday. 

Despite scoring against Blyth Spartans in York’s 5-0 victory over the Vanarama National League North outfit in the Isuzu FA Trophy fourth round, John-Lewis will hoepfully have gained the confidence to provide more goals in front of the home crowd going forward.

4. Questionable substitutions

The decision to switch a midfielder in Dan Pybus, even if he was having an impressive match, for a striker in the form of Manny Duku is an understandable decision. 

However, with York reaching the 82nd minute and fining themselves 2-1 down, substituting a tricky winger like Ollie Tanner for a defensive-minded midfielder such as Paddy McLaughlin feels like a blow for City. 

Webb has since defended the decision, saying: “We felt we could chase the game down and have a little bit more security in the middle and go more direct into our front players.”.

But it feels as if this could have been a controversial decision from Webb. 

5. Refereeing calamity

The standard of refereeing in the National League has always been a questionable conflict. 

But opon seeing replays and a response from Webb, the decision to award an indirect free-kick against Ryan Whitley’s decision to collect the ball from a suspected back-pass is looking to be an incorrect one. 

Is it time the FA take a look into such decisions? After Charlee Adams goal from the resulting free-kick proved to be the match-winner, it could potentially have cost York points on Saturday.