It’s not always been free-flowing, goal-heavy football for York City over the last 10 years — far from it in fact — but the Minstermen are on track to smash a century of National League goals this campaign, while sitting 2nd in the table.
After losing their EFL status in 2016, York City fell into the perilous trap of back-to-back relegations, seeing them drop out of the National League and into the National League North.
After returning to the top flight of non-league football in 2022, York just about survived in 2023 and 2024 with 19th and 20th place finishes. But finally, the Minstermen began to turn a corner.
Following the sacking of former AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley, York turned to high-flying Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood, who made the long journey north into a full-time setup.
Hinshelwood steadied the ship and began laying the foundations for a promotion push. Ollie Pearce followed his former manager from Worthing, as did goalkeeper Harrison Male, who had been at Dorking but previously spent time with Worthing himself.
York went to work in 2024/25 and ran straight into the National League bottleneck, finishing with an impressive 96 points — only to miss out on the title to Dean Brennan’s Barnet, who amassed 102.
The play-offs proved short-lived, with York missing out on Wembley after a 3–0 home defeat to eventual winners Oldham Athletic.
Despite a magnificent season, a slow start to August 2025 saw Hinshelwood relieved of his duties. After a short break, he returned to his beloved Worthing.
York moved quickly, and within hours former Notts County and Wealdstone manager Stuart Maynard was appointed at the York Community Stadium.
There has been no looking back. York have hit the ground running under Maynard, losing just twice in the league since his arrival. Their last league defeat came on October 1st, at home to Scunthorpe United.
The goals have not stopped flowing either. York have failed to score just once in all competitions under Maynard, hitting four or more goals on 10 occasions. Ten. That’s insane.
Hinshelwood’s recruitment — particularly Pearce, who adapted instantly to National League football — has given Maynard the platform to build something special. After scoring 95 league goals last season, York look set to smash that tally, especially following their 5–0 demolition of Braintree Town at the weekend.
Maynard’s 3-4-3 system, with former Gateshead man Greg Olley and ex-Wigan forward Josh Stones operating alongside Pearce, is causing National League defences all sorts of problems. Add the midfield dynamism of Hiram Boateng and Alex Hunt, and York are mounting a serious title challenge.
For now, it remains just that — a challenge. York sit 2nd, two points behind leaders Rochdale, who also have two games in hand.
The two sides meet on the final day of the National League season at Spotland Stadium. Could we be in for an all-timer of a National League finale? 👀⚽
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