York City earned a 2-1 victory over Exeter City at the York Community Stadium on a rainy Saturday afternoon in August. The win keeps the Minstermen third in the League Two standings with seven points from their first three games, a record of two wins and a draw. The match report was filed by Layth Yousif for morningstaronline.co.uk.
Alex Newby opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing a cross from Harry Boyes after good work from Joe Grey, who wears the number seven shirt. The hosts controlled much of the play, but the decisive second goal came from substitute Jovan Malcolm in the 79th minute. Malcolm, making his debut, found the net from another Boyes delivery. Exeter's Jack Fitzwater headed a consolation in the 91st minute, but York held on for the three points.
How is Scott Lindsey shaping the team?
Scott Lindsey was appointed manager last month, replacing the sacked Stuart Maynard. The board, led by co-chairs Matt Uggla and Julie-Anne Uggla, insisted the change was needed for long-term success, even though Maynard had just steered the club to the National League title with a record 108 points. That triumph ended a decade in non-league football, but Maynard was dismissed just three months after being named National League Manager of the Season. Lindsey's immediate task is to build on that promotion momentum in League Two.
Early signs under the new boss are positive. This victory followed a 3-2 home win over Bristol Rovers earlier in August. The team has scored six goals and conceded four across its opening fixtures, giving them a +2 goal difference. You can track the squad's progress on our stats page.
What is the atmosphere like at the new stadium?
Nearly 8,000 fans braved the weather to watch the match at the York Community Stadium, located in a leisure park on the edge of the city. The club moved to this modern ground in 2021 after 88 years at Bootham Crescent. The sense of a new era was palpable, with some in the crowd declaring "City are back." The club mascot, Yorkie the Lion, was on hand, and the matchday experience was complemented by a screening of the film The Odyssey next to the stadium, a fitting parallel for the club's long journey back to the Football League.
Independent supporters' fanzines like Terrace Talk, In The City, and New Frontiers contribute to a vibrant matchday culture. The club's strong home form, which saw them win 33 of 46 league games last season, is a key asset as they look to establish themselves in League Two.
What comes next for York City?
The focus now shifts immediately to the next fixture, an away trip to face Cheltenham Town on September 1st. Cheltenham currently sit 12th in the table, presenting another opportunity for York to gather points. Maintaining their position near the top of the standings will be the objective for Lindsey and his players as the season develops.
The team's early form suggests they have adapted well to life back in the EFL. With a blend of existing players like Alex Newby and new additions making an instant impact, such as Jovan Malcolm, York City will aim to build on this solid start. The full schedule of upcoming challenges can be found on our fixtures page.
