Clean sheets delight for Minstermen chief

The Minstermen went 10 games in October and November without managing to shut out the opposition, something that was a huge headache to manager Nigel Worthington.

Now, though, all that has changed with last weekend’s goalless draw at home to Bristol Rovers meaning York have kept six clean sheets in their last 10 outings.

It is an impressive record and one that Worthington believes has much to do with the changes he has implemented at the club having finally bedded in.

“We have had a decent run of clean sheets and that is pleasing,” said the City chief, who took charge at Bootham Crescent a little under 11 months ago.

“It gives us a fantastic platform to work from, which is very, very important. We have tidied up all round at the back and the lads deserve huge credit.

“What also helps is that we have been able to change things as we have gone along and now have the sort of set-up I want to see.

“We are building, block by block. Time is not something you get a lot of in football but you do need time to make the necessary changes.

“The good thing is we have been able to change things round and bring in the routines that a club needs to progress.

“I have been very pleased because a lot of hard work has gone into getting us to this point, from the chairman through to everyone on the staff. We have added players as we have gone along. They have brought experience and knowledge of League football. They are worth their weight in gold.”

York travel to Hartlepool United today looking to maintain their unbeaten start to 2014.

Worthington added: “Hartlepool will be a tough game. They are a good footballing side. They have had two or three defeats in a row and that will make them a dangerous opponent. I thought the Bristol Rovers game was an enjoyable one, even though we didn’t win. Of course, I wish we could have won but I thought it was a good advert for League Two.

“Two good, honest teams and their ’keeper made three excellent saves to deny us three points.”