We’re now six games into the League Two season, and approaching a point where early assessments can start to be made about the relative strengths and weaknesses of different teams. Let’s take a look at some of the underlying data (courtesy of Fotmob) to assess how City are stacking up compared to their rivals.
An obsession with possession?
It’s no secret that City’s style of play puts a strong emphasis on possession of the ball. They had the highest average possession in the National League in both 2024/25 under Adam Hinshelwood and 2025/26 under Stuart Maynard, and current head coach Scott Lindsey is renowned for a similar approach, having previously said his sides “will always play with the ball, play out from the back…I tell my players to be insulted if the opposition have the ball”. But having stepped up a level to League Two, it was by no means certain that this intention would translate to similar levels of possession dominance this season, so what does the data say so far?
While it’s still early days, the numbers so far put York well clear at the top of the possession charts, with only Salford City joining them with an average above 60%. The Minstermen’s control of possession has been consistent, with a figure of 60% or higher in all six league games so far, although this has been closer to 70% in the three home games. This difference between home and away figures may be because opposition sides are naturally more passive away from home, but could also be explained by the fact that none of the sides York have faced at home (Bristol Rovers, Exeter and Swindon) favour a possession-based approach. The coming trip to Chesterfield will be an interesting test, as the Spireites also like to dominate the ball under Paul Cook, and currently sit 4th for average possession.
