York City top scorer set for a spell on the sidelines

Both Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Lenell John-Lewis are set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering hamstring injuries, with the latter’s seeming to be more severe.

John-Lewis has proven to be a crucial player in the York ranks so far, leading the way as the club’s top scorer with five goals and two assists, despite not starting a match yet this campaign.

Fagan-Walcott has also proven a shrewd bit of business after joining on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, helping contribute to the Minstermen’s run of eight clean sheets from their opening 13 matches.

Assistant manager Gary Elphick confirmed the news, admitting that John-Lewis’ injury was sustained during a behind-closed-doors friendly with Hull City.

“Unfortunately he [Fagan-Walcott] felt his hamstring last game [vs Woking]," Elphick confirmed.

“If he was fit, then he would have played, but I think it looks like he might be out for a week or two.

“We’re hoping that he will be ready for Ebbsfleet or Barnet, that’s the latest on him.

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“I think he had something previous with his hamstring, not anything glaringly bad.

“There’s nothing to really worry about, but he’s been advised by the Cardiff physio on how he has been treated previously.

“The physio just takes that into account with his treatment. He stays in York.

“Unfortunately we had a bounce game against Hull City under-23’s yesterday, just to get our squad players up to minutes.

“Lenny pulled out, he felt his hamstring and goes for a scan either today or tomorrow.

“We await news on that, which is unfortunate really.

“He’s been fantastic, he’s just a role model and every time he comes onto the pitch, you know that something can happen.

“It’s gutting news really.”

Paddy McLaughlin has found limited game time so far this campaign, managing just 18 minutes in City’s opening 13 matches.

The midfielder could be in contention for a first start of the season against Biggleswade after coming through the Hull friendly unscathed, whilst Adam Crookes and Ashley Nathaniel-George will not recover in time.

Elphick admitted: “You’re always open to criticism, whatever team you select and whatever tactics you select as manager.

Saturday's Emirates FA Cup match at Biggleswade FC will come too soon for Ashley Nathaniel-George (pictured) and Adam Crookes. (Image: Tom Poole) “That’s management, but with Paddy he came through 90 minutes against Hull and he’s as tough as they come.

“With regards to his fitness, it won’t be a question.

“I think he [Nathaniel-George] will be a week or two, he’s back running again.

“Today he was doing his high speed running, so hopefully in a week or two he will be included.

“Adam Crookes will be a similar time frame, we will be looking for some kind of involvement from a week on Monday.”

Elphick volunteered to take Wednesday’s press conference with manager Adam Hinshelwood currently unavailable, after the City boss fell ill with food poisoning.

The York assistant manager confirmed that Hinshelwood remained in good spirits, and was confident that the boss will be back to his best for Saturday’s match at Biggleswade FC.

“He’s on the road to recovery, he’s had a bout for food poisoning.

“He was at the training ground today just watching from afar, so hopefully by the time the game comes around he will be 100 per cent again.

“The last thing we’d want now is for something to spread like wildfire throughout the dressing room, so thankfully it is only that and he’s on his way to recovery.”