Stevenage v York City: Minstermen finally finding target as Wilcox’s men head in right direction

After being critical of his side’s inability not just to convert chances at the start of the campaign, but even hit the target, York City’s manager was in for a more pleasurable development at Newport last weekend.

As the saying goes, there are lies, damned lies and statistics and they are starting to measure up in the right direction for York, whose 3-0 win last time out was not the only good news on offer.

Wilcox said: “We did well in both boxes at Newport and defended well and were clinical.

“The stats showed we had seven attempts on goal and six on target.

“That’s a big difference and we have been doing a lot of work on it and are looking to improve on it.

“The week before against Mansfield we had 11 attempts on goal and only one on target.

“It’s certainly a better ratio and it’s about working at it and doing the basics well in both boxes week in week out.”

York’s recent defensive league showings have also gone down well with Wilcox and while he accepts that the trick is continuing those encouraging traits on a regular basis, confidence is not in short supply ahead of today’s test.

He added: “Three clean sheets in the last four league games is a positive. But we know Stevenage have won their last two home games, so things will be difficult.

“But after last weekend with a clean sheet and three goals away, we go into the game in different mood to the week before.

“For us, it’s a case of keeping going and not getting complacent but getting that bit of consistency.”