Arthur Read has finally broken into the York City starting lineup after a patient start to the season. The midfielder scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 defeat at Barnet and is now set for a run in the side. His goal came in the 37th minute of that match, assisted by Joseph Rabole Felix, but was followed by three Barnet goals.

Read described the wait for his opportunity as frustrating. "It’s definitely been frustrating," he said. Restricted to substitute appearances for York's first ten League Two matches, he has now played 166 minutes across the last two games. His full debut came in the 2-0 win over Port Vale, where he was involved in Alex Hunt's goal, before he netted York's sole reply in the loss at Barnet.

Head coach Scott Lindsey hailed Read's impact, describing his performance against Port Vale as a 'man of the match' display. "I thought he was excellent," Lindsey stated. The 26-year-old's experience, with over 200 appearances at this level, is seen as vital as York look to stabilise. They are 11 points behind leaders Salford City and are looking to bounce back from a heavy 5-2 defeat at Grimsby Town last time out, a match where Alex Hunt and Jack Hunt scored for York.

Read's return to the XI is timely given midfield absences. He is set to start again at Grimsby this Saturday due to Hiram Boateng's suspension and Ollie Banks' ongoing recovery from concussion. "I want to show everyone what I’ve done last season, kick on and improve on that," Read added, referencing his inclusion in the League Two Team of the Season while at Colchester United. He joined York on a free transfer in the summer after a successful spell with Colchester, where he scored 11 goals last campaign.

Looking ahead, Read emphasised the need for a positive mindset and winning second balls, a key aspect of play in the division. His immediate task is to help the team improve on a recent run of form that reads two losses, two draws and a win from the last five outings, a sequence that includes a 1-1 draw with Accrington ST and a 1-1 draw with Northampton. The team has scored 24 goals this season while conceding 21. The focus is now on the upcoming fixture at Grimsby. After that, York's next match is away to Rochdale, who are 20th in the table, on Saturday 14 November.

More detail at yorkpress.co.uk