Worthington believes Minstermen have solid foundations to build on

The Minstermen shut out Morecambe in midweek after finally heeding the pleas of their manager to be much more solid in defence.

In those previous 10 games, City had conceded 22 times – a record that explains why Worthington’s side are too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

Now, though, the Irishman believes York have a solid foundation on which to build a run that can carry the club up the table.

He said: “The performances overall this season have been good. There have just been a couple where we have let ourselves down. So, overall, I can’t complain too much.

“But the clean sheet at Morecambe on Tuesday was pleasing. It was a while since we had managed one so now we have something to build on. I know the lads will take great confidence from it.

“The only frustrating thing was we weren’t able to get a goal of our own. Over the last two games, we created enough chances to win four or five games.

“But that is football and we go into the Rochdale match feeling confident.”

Rochdale will make the trip to Bootham Crescent still smarting from their own defensive horror show in midweek.

On a night when victory could have taken Keith Hill’s side to the top of League Two, they instead slumped to a 4-0 defeat at home to managerless Scunthorpe United.

Adding insult to injury was the fact that two players receioved the red card, which is why Olly Lancashire and Jack O’Connell must sit out today’s encounter at Bootham Crescent.

Worthington continued: “That result probably sums up League Two, as in anything can happen in it. Rochdale had been going really well but then lost 4-0 at home and had two players sent off.

“A run of a few wins can push you up the table, as Southend United have shown lately. We need to start a run like that of our own.”