MICHAEL MORTON was satisfied with York City’s performance in their 2-1 victory over Farsley Celtic, but felt his side were ‘sloppy’ at times.

Goals from Maziar Kouhyar and Lenell John-Lewis saw York come from behind to clinch another pre-season victory at the Citadel, in their third match in four days.

Morton was pleased with the effort of his players, but felt his side could have performed to a higher standard.

Morton also provided updates to Levi Andoh and Alex Hurst’s injuries, as well as confirming that Dipo Akinyemi is likely to start against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, July 29 (3pm).

“There were some good bits and then some bits where I felt we were really sloppy.” Morton told the Press.

“I thought we started the game really well in terms of the tempo, we won the ball back really quickly, we secured possession and we’re progressive with our passes.

“We just switched off a little bit, and their shape was causing a few problems in the transition.

“In another week or so we’d be able to adapt to that in a game.

“In the second half we changed it a little bit because we wanted to play in a different system, to see if we could gain control which I felt we did. 

“But whenever we got the ball we didn’t break the lines quick enough, and it was just a little bit sloppy when we did break the lines.

“The lads have had a tough shift and I’ve just been speaking to them there, they’re a bit tired and had a night out the other day, so I think they’re probably feeling a bit of that as well!

“You can’t replicate games because you’ve got to look at how they deal with different pressures and different teams cause you different problems.

“We can try do it as much as we can in training but it’s not going to be like playing in the games,

“The lads have put in a shift and especially over the last four days, it’s been very difficult on them and you can see it in their eyes. 

“They’re shattered and just need a good day to recover, and then we’ll go again on Thursday and Friday to be fresh for Saturday. 

“We’ll have a look over all of the footage and the games over the last four days. We’re starting to have a look at what we think will be best for the game on Saturday.”

Morton also provided an update on Akinyemi after his transfer from Ayr United, and expects the forward to make his non-competitive debut next weekend, as well as injury updates to Andoh and Hurst.

“We had a message today so we’re hoping he might be involved on Saturday.

“Levi just felt something last week and it was just best to rest him and not push him through.

“He was dying to play tonight, but we’ve got a long season ahead and we’re gonna need those players. 

“It’s the same with Hursty, he wanted to be available tonight but it’s a long, long season.

“If they rush back and get injured, they’re going to be out for a longer spell.”

The York manager was also pleased with the individual performances of Dan Pybus and John-Lewis, and went out of his way to praise City legend Clayton Donaldson, who now manages Farsley Celtic.

If you look at Dan’s career when he’s been coming through, I’ve only known him when he was younger, he’s been playing as an eight but he’s got the ability to play as a four.

“The good thing with Dan is that he’s flexible, he can play all three roles in the midfield.

“Paddy has been steady in that holding role, but Paddy can also play high. The idea is to have a bit more rotation in that role. 

“There was times last year that everyone knew that Dan was at the bottom of the pivot and there were times he was man marked and couldn’t get on the ball.

“I want him to go advance and someone to drop into his position.

“He always works hard and Lenny offers things, you can see it when he’s not playing. 

“We do miss him, in terms of his presence. He’s been getting himself in good areas, he’ll say it himself that he probably should have had three or four goals in the last couple of games.

“I’m just glad that he was composed in that penalty, he could have crumbled but he scored it.”

“It’s brilliant, you look at his [Donaldson’s] experience as a player and he offers a lot to the team he’s managing now and it’s good to see. 

“He was a handful today so he’s still got his ability on the pitch, I’m not too sure about that tackle in the first minute, I was trying to get him sent off!

“It’s good to see, he’s a handful and I’m sure he’ll do well at the club, he’s got some good staff around him to support him.

“We’ve said with it being York and him being a legend, us staff will try to support the club as well but I’m sure they’ll do well.”