York City forward Ollie Pearce has acknowledged the team's poor away form must change as they prepare for another test on the road at Newport County. Pearce, who has four goals and four assists this season, said the squad accepts recent performances away from home have not been good enough and are determined to put it right.
The team's search for a first away win continues despite a solid start that has them sitting 5th in League Two with 15 points from nine games. Pearce said it has become a talking point that York have not won on their travels yet, and the group wants to get that issue off their back as soon as possible. He admitted it simply has not worked in a couple of games and they have been poor, but the focus is on moving forward and learning.
Summer stability and coaching influence
Pearce pointed to the stability within the squad over the summer as a positive foundation. He praised head coach Scott Lindsey as brilliant to work with and said it has been business as usual at the club, with not much change in the playing group. Pearce stressed the importance of players adapting quickly to a manager's methods, noting every coach sees the game differently. Taking on board what Lindsey wants has been a key part of their preparation.
Recent form and upcoming challenges
The forward was speaking after York's 1-1 home draw with Northampton, a game in which he scored an 85th-minute equaliser from a Jeff King cross. Pearce acknowledged there has been a step up in quality in League Two this season, with better teams at home who are determined to get results. He also noted that opponents are less likely to sit in a deep defensive block away from home this year, presenting different challenges.
Their last meeting with Newport County ended in a 1-1 draw just days ago on 17 October. Pearce said the team goes into every game wanting to win, and that mindset will be no different for the trip to Rodney Parade. With 17 goals scored and 11 conceded this campaign, York have the attacking firepower but need to find the right formula on the road.
Despite his bright individual start, Pearce has not set any personal targets for the season, preferring to focus on the team's objectives. Attention now turns quickly to the next fixture, a home game against 15th-placed Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night. Ending the away drought at Newport would provide a significant boost as York look to close the four-point gap to leaders Salford City.
More detail at yorkpress.co.uk
