Adam Hinshelwood expresses pride in York City’s 3-1 win over Barnet

Pre-match league leaders Barnet had taken the lead in the first-half as Ryan Glover’s cross was bundled home by Bailey Hobson.

York suffered two injuries in quick succession, forcing key attackers Callum Harriott and Dipo Akinyemi to be first-half casualties.

City were able to overcome adversity as Marvin Armstrong forced the ball into the back of the net against his former club on the brink of half-time.

Hinshelwood’s side secured a huge three points in the second-half, with Alex Hunt curling an unstoppable free-kick into the top right corner.

Ollie Pearce continued his hot streak of form and made sure of the three points with a composed finish just minutes later.

Hinshelwood took the time to dole out the praise to his players for their commendable efforts against a high-flying Barnet outfit, whilst also identifying areas of the game his side could improve on heading into the Yorkshire derby with FC Halifax Town on Saturday.

“Full credit to the players tonight, I thought that they were tremendous,” Hinshelwood lauded after the full-time whistle. 

“The fact that we are at this stage and can even compete with Barnet is a testament to the players really, I thought that the only way that they were going to get back into the game was from our lack of concentration and gifting them opportunities. 

“We’re disappointed with the goal that we gave away, I thought that we could have dealt with that situation better. 

“There’s loads for us to improve on, but in the main it was a really top performance that backed up Saturday’s performance. 

“It was gritty at times, we dug in, defended the box well when they have got some real firepower. 

“I thought our defenders were excellent. 

“It’s a testament to the squad that we have got here. 

“Ty [Tyrese Sinclair] had an unbelievable game on Saturday and was disappointed not to start, we had to speak to him before the game and let him know what a big player he is for us. 

“Ty has come on and had a big impact, he has pressed brilliantly for the second goal. 

“Ollie, again, has worked hard up top. 

“Joe Felix, shows his versatility in a new position, I think he’s only got to play in goal and in centre-back and he’s covered every position for us.

“He was excellent in that position and did brilliantly for the first goal, a well-worked goal and Marv got onto the end of it.”

The highlight of the match was Hunt’s incredible free-kick that beat Nick Hayes from distance, putting York ahead for the first time in the contest.

Hinshelwood admitted that prior to Hunt’s spectacular strike, he had been disappointed with the level of set-pieces crossed in by his midfielder.

He would go on to also praise Director of Football Tony McMahon, who has been aiding Hunt in his free-kick taking ability.

The boss continued: “He was missing his set-pieces by about 15 to 20 yards from where it was meant to go! 

“We were poor from set-pieces, it’s something that we have got to improve on because it’s a big part of the game. 

“We’ve had at least five corners there that were way off the mark, it’s a way of winning games of football so we have got to get better at that. 

“The credit really has to go to Tony McMahon, he’s a bit of a free-kick specialist, he works after training with a few of the boys on their technique. 

“I’m really pleased that Hunty managed to make brilliant contact with it, it was a big moment in the game, a great comeback and to go ahead in the game at that time, attacking our fans, was massive. 

Pearce’s strike settled the match for City, sending the LNER Community Stadium into pandemonium.

It’s also Pearce’s fifth goal in four games for the Minstermen, which pleased Hinshelwood.

“I think you are starting to see the Ollie Pearce that I have seen for the last six or seven seasons. 

“You see him in those positions in front of goal and there is only one place that the ball is going. 

“He’s full of confidence and is really loving it, but what’s not to love? 

“A near enough full house on a Tuesday night, passionate fans, he has become a top player for us.”

Hinshelwood finally dished out praise to midfielder Armstrong for his efforts, particularly in front of goal, an area of play the City boss knows isn’t typically associated with the former Barnet man.

“He was obviously a bit disappointed that he didn’t start on Saturday, but I had to say that he was going to get his opportunity tonight. 

“His work rate, his pressing, it’s a massive part of his game but I think that his third goal now that he has added, which is big. 

“It’s something that we want to keep challenging Marv with, getting goals for us. 

“A lot of players are chipping in now at the top end of the pitch, there’s goals and it’s good to see.”