ADAM Hinshelwood has hailed the efforts of striker Ollie Pearce after an impressive start to his York City career.

Pearce arrived at York in the summer with expectations after bagging 43 goals in 46 games with Worthing in the Vanarama National League South last season, earning the attention of multiple clubs at a higher level.

However, with Hinshelwood making the switch to City himself, Pearce followed in his manager’s footsteps to make the step up into the Vanarama National League, where he has handled the rise in quality with ease.

The striker has so far accumulated six goal contributions in his opening nine matches, with three goals and three assists, and has quickly been recognised as a regular starter in North Yorkshire.

Hinshelwood has been delighted by the impact that his talisman has provided so far, and has also been impressed by how Pearce has handled the step up from the sixth tier.

“I thought he would handle it, that’s why we brought him to the club,” Hinshelwood told The Press.

“I know there were a lot of people doubting whether he could do it at this level, because he’s never done it before, but he’s had that at each level he has gone to before and he has always answered with goal contributions.

“He’s a very intelligent player. I thought he could have got another one [vs Braintree Town] if he squared it to Lenny [Lenell John-Lewis], but it was quite a tight one.

“Ollie thought he could score the goal, and that’s why he probably scores as many goals as he does, because he backs himself. 

“I’ve been really pleased with his contribution. I think that sometimes his play can go a little bit unnoticed, because he does link up the play well. 

“He’s very intelligent, he makes good runs, intelligent runs and I’m pleased that he is helping out the team with goal contributions and assists as well.”

Hinshelwood also believes that Pearce has found the step up comfortable due to scoring early on in his York career, having registered his first goal in City colours in the 2-0 victory against Tamworth on matchday two.

The boss also praised Pearce’s eagerness to improve, speaking on his attitude in training as well as his hope to add more to his tally for the Minstermen.

Hinshelwood admitted: “He has [handled the step up well]. Getting involved with the goal scoring and scoring three goals early on will definitely settle him down. 

“I know what he’s like, he’ll be striving for more. 

“Cam [Morrison, first-team coach] does a bit of stats on when they do finishing sessions and sees the percentage of the goals that they score per session, how many they score, and he’s one that wants to look at that and make sure that he is at the top of that.

“He has a real passion for scoring goals and I know what he’s like, he’ll be disappointed that he hasn’t got more. 

“He’ll back himself to be up there come the end of the season.”