National League: Pressure already mounting on York boss Jackie McNamara

The Minstermen head to Forest Green Rovers in the National League just four days after conceding five times in the second half at Gateshead en route to a 6-1 thrashing.

Fans were quick to voice their disdain, with chants of ‘Jackie Out!’ being heard as York slumped to an embarrassing loss.

McNamara said: “The scoreline has put pressure on the likes of myself because of the size of it and I am well aware of that.

“The buck stops with me and I have to accept that. A lot of it is a follow-on from last season but, if that is the way people feel, all I can do is my best to try and win games.”

In contrast to the emotions felt by York fans on Tuesday night, North Ferriby United supporters were in elated mood after claiming a first National League win at the fourth attempt at home to Guiseley.

The Villagers host Torquay United looking to build on a victory that took the East Riding club up to 18th in the table.

Guiseley cheif Mark Bower has expressed his delight after landing Leeds United academy product Alex Purver on loan.

The 20-year-old midfield player, who signed a new one-year deal at Leeds earlier this summer, having made 33 appearances for the development squad side last term, will stay at Nethermoor until January 2.

Bower is keeping his fingers crossed that the Leeds-born player can have a similar loan impact to the one made by young Bury forward Anthony Dudley at the club in 2015-16.

Bower, who is set to hand Purver a debut in today’s game at Solihull Moors, said: “Alex seems to be very well thought of and he is one who we have had an eye since the end of last season.

“Hopefully, it will suit everyone – us, Leeds United and Alex. He has a good attitude and he was keen to come and knows that he needs to play some ‘man’s football’ now and get away from that under-21 thing.

“But, at the same time, with us being part-time, it suits both parties really because he can stay with Leeds and have a few sessions a week there and then play the ‘proper football’ with us on a weekend. He comes with no fear and gets on the ball and plays a bit and has got a lot of attributes and can put in a tackle as well. We have been short on that and now, hopefully, we have managed to pin one down.”

The signing of Purver follows some previous loan arrivals from Leeds and Bower hopes that will continue as he seeks to further cultivate links with all of West Yorkshire’s professional clubs.