York City – Key Figure To Miss Season Opener

National League side York City will be without defender Ryan Fallowfield for the opening three games of the season due to suspension, as reported by The York Press.

The defender accepted a charge for violent conduct during the side’s 1-1 draw with Notts County at Meadow Lane in April. The incident was not seen by officials on the day, but the charge has been given through video evidence, with the defender being deemed to have breached rule E1.1. As per the FA regulations, rule E1.1 states that a player’s conduct constitutes violent conduct.

Fallowfield was cautioned in the 84th minute after he clashed with Adam Chicksen of County. However, the incident has since been reviewed, and it was deemed that the punishment was not harsh enough. As a result, the 27-year-old will miss the trip to Wealdstone on the opening day and their following two home ties with Kidderminster Harriers and Altrincham.

Fallowfield started his career with Hull City but never made a senior appearance for the Tigers. The right-back joined York from Harrogate Town last summer and featured 37 times for the Minstermen as they finished 19th in the league. He scored twice for the side in that time. One of those goals earned him a spot in the team of the week, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Dorking Wanderers in March.

The National League club have made 11 signings this summer, including former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper David Stockdale and Aldershot’s Tyler Cordner. One of those signings can also provide relief during this period, with new arrival Levi Andoh from Hereford United expected to cover during the defender’s suspension.

Writer’s View

Fallowfield was a figure in the York City team who was ever-present for the side last season. Their transfer dealings have been wise investments so far, but we will not see if they pay off until we are some way into the season. The right-back is a big void to fill, especially when you want to get off to the best start possible. But now, new signing Levi Andoh has a chance to pay off that investment quicker than the rest of the new signings.