SHOTSTOPPER, SHOWSTOPPER: Adisa De Rosario STAYS undefeated

The on-loan goalkeeper might have conceded goals in between the sticks for York United, but the fact remains he is yet to lose a match. The 18-year-old, making his third appearance for The Nine Stripes, proved an important part of the come-from-behind 2-1 win. In the first half, he pulled off a great save to deny Halifax Wanderers from doubling their lead. He went one-on-one with the experienced Joao Morelli and he spread his frame to block the Brazilian’s goal-bound effort. If that ball had entered the net, it probably would have killed the game and made it difficult or near impossible for York United to stage a comeback.

"I think Adisa has got better every game. I thought he was fantastic today. He even got a piece of the goal and made a big save in the breakaway. He came for crosses really well, claimed a few. I thought he was fantastic," Nash said, heaping praise on his recent acquisition.

#9 DREAM: Austin Ricci strives UP TOP

Last week, Ricci climbed off the bench to snatch the match winner against Vancouver FC and on the road, he was handed a starting role to lead the attack against Halifax Wanderers. The 27-year-old adjusted well and played a key role in the team’s comeback victory. In additional time of the first half, he snatched the leveller by sneaking in behind the Wanderers defence to head past goalkeeper Yann Fillion.

Ricci is delighted to have grabbed the opportunity to play in a deeper role upfront.

He said at the post-match conference: "I was buzzing. I haven't started as a striker for about two years so [I have] been kind of waiting for that moment this whole season and it finally came. I took advantage of it so, hopefully, there's more to come."

The Gaffer complimented the striker by saying: "Austin [Ricci] is a very versatile attacking player, naturally a number 9. He saw out games on the left and on the right as well but he gives us a threat in behind. He's a poacher and knows how to find the back of the net. I thought his energy was really good today and he was rewarded with a goal and it was a solid performance from him.''

THOMPSON WINS: ROG WITH A COLLECTOR'S ITEM WINNER

It took 53 Canadian Premier League appearances for York United's Roger Thompson to score his first league goal and, perhaps, this will be fondly remembered. A powerful header from an expertly-delivered Mo Babouli free-kick - an in-swinger that dangled deliciously - kissed the inside of the near post to secure a 2-1 win which enhanced the club’s playoff chances.

"It's big for him," Nash said about his captain.

"Roger is big for us. He's been playing well lately. And just having his leadership and someone vocal at the back...he has that ability on set pieces too. We've not been great at attacking set pieces this year and it was good to get on the end of one for a change and it was a good header. So, a great ball in and a great header. He did his job and decided to sit down for the rest of the game, so the guys saw it out for him! But yeah, it was good for Rog and good for the team. You need your leaders to step up at big moments."

LEFT WING POLITICS: KEV REVS ONCE AGAIN

Kevin dos Santos earned the Gatorade Performance of the Match gong for his industrious performance for The Nine Stripes. He made deadly runs on the flanks and made it difficult for Halifax’s Zachary Fernandez. Continuously evading challenges with an impish drop of the shoulder, Santos picked his passes well, covered a lot of grass and often tracked back to assist left-back Max Ferrari.Though he couldn't find the back of the net, it was another solid performance.

He disclosed to OneSoccer what has been key to his eye-catching displays this season.

"The difference is that I believe in myself even more now. It is just about building confidence - based on consistency, playing game after game and we can see the work that's been put in is working now," he said.

"I feel like we're going to show everyone that we are a team that deserves to be in the playoffs. In a game like this, that's what we fight for in the playoffs."

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante