ADAM HINSHELWOOD has been impressed by the recent run of clean sheets that his York City side have recorded - and feels that a member of his staff has a big part to play in that feat.

Joe Stead, York's goalkeeping coach, has been with the club since December 2022 after previous spells with Leeds United and FC Halifax Town.

The goalkeeping coach has worked under four different managers since he initially joined the club, and has helped to train closely with Harrison Male and Rory Watson so far this season.

Hinshelwood took the time to credit the work of his goalkeeping coach, with City's shot-stoppers managing a combined five clean sheets in their opening nine Vanarama National League matches, a defensive quality that has aided the Minstermen in their rise to the top of the fifth tier.

“I like to take a lot of the credit myself, but Joe Stead has got to take all of the credit really," Hinshelwood told the Press.

"The sessions he puts on are to a really high level, he works the goalkeepers hard every day and tries to tailor his sessions to the opposition.

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"If we’re against a team that does a long throw and a lot of aerial balls into the box, then he works on that.

"If it looks like we’re going to have a lot more possession and the team is going to drop off, then he’ll focus a bit more on their playing out and distribution.

"He’s a top class goalkeeping coach, we’re very lucky to have him.

"It should be a full reflection on him, just how well the goalkeepers are doing."

Hinshelwood also credited the efforts of Male and Watson, who have been switched depending on the manner of York are facing in the National League, both contributing with some outstanding performances so far this season.

The York boss believes that the defensive efforts within his squad have been pinnacle to their results so far this season, but expects a great deal of hard work to be required against Aldershot Town on Saturday, September 21 (3pm). 

Hinshelwood commended: “The defensive aspects, the goalkeepers have been excellent.

York City's goalkeepers have kept a combined five clean sheets in their opening nine matches.York City's goalkeepers have kept a combined five clean sheets in their opening nine matches. (Image: Tom Poole)

"I’m probably looking through it in red and white glasses here, but I don’t think that we have given away too many chances at the moment.

"We are relatively solid, and when the team does get opportunities, the goalkeepers have performed brilliantly.

"I’m really happy with that, it’s a big focus for us to get to six clean sheets out of ten.

"It would be a massive boost for everybody and a really good start, but it’s not a given when going to Aldershot.

"They score goals and we know that it will be a tough task."