Martin Ling admitted it was disappointing to draw 2-2 at York after coming from behind to lead until the 89th minute.
"Sitting there 1-0 down with 20 minutes to go you would definitely have taken the point, but to have got ourselves 2-1 in front and then they get a equaliser it feels like a defeat now.
"But this is a difficult place to come and if someone had offered us a point before the game I think we'd have taken it, and if they'd have offered it at half-time when we were 1-0 down we'd have taken it then too."
Former U's striker Michael Gash put his side ahead after half an hour by forcing the ball home after it rebounded around the United area. Jai Reason levelled with a low shot eleven minutes from time and provider turned goalscorer four minutes later when Mark Beesley scored his second goal of the season to put United ahead, but with a minute remaining Gash soared to head the equaliser.
"Sometimes you've got to take the rough with the smooth," Ling added. "It was a superb header from Gash and you have to take your hat off to a good bit of play from them.
"Their first goal hit a few deflections and a few people on its way in and that was frustrating, but I told them at half-time that our passing was a bit slack in the first half, especially in the last third in terms of our crossing. In the second half we tried to impose ourselves on the game and we got the point that we deserved and we could have sneaked it in the end too."
The team showed character and determination to battle their way back into the game, led by substitute strikers Lee Phillips - who almost scored and changed the nature of United's attack - and Beesley, whose goal put United briefly ahead.
"There's a good team spirit and people who are itching to come off the bench," said Ling, "We made three substitutions to bring on Pitt and the front two and there's a good atmosphere among the lads. We've gone eight undefeated now and it would have been lovely to get three points here tonight, but this keeps the run going and keeps us in good spirits."
On the impact of his substitute strikers, he added, "Bees and Phillips are two good players. I think every club needs four good strikers and we've got a good strike force here. Phillo gives you something different with his physical presence and everyone will get their chance during the year, and when they're out of the side everyone will have to be patient."
York's two goals were the first conceded by United since the 1-1 draw at Rushden & Diamonds three weeks ago, but Ling pointed out that the first was blocked and deflected before hitting the net and the second was a very good cross and header.
"It's been good defensively but sometimes you're going to get games when it doesn't quite run for you," he conceded. "Their first goal took a lot of deflections and went to their player, and the second goal was a good goal on their part so sometimes you have to take your hat off to them.
"As I said to the lads after the game, I'm disappointed that we didn't take all three points but also I asked them a question at half-time which they answered in a positive manner."
He concluded, "This was going to be an awkward game. They've spent quite a bit of money here this year but I think we've matched them in all departments and we could have won the game in the end."
Next Up
Our home match against Luton Town on Saturday 26th September is all-ticket and the restriction will definitely not be lifted so there will be no pay on the day admittance. Tickets are on sale now until 5pm on Friday [details].
[Match report] [Fixture list] [League table]
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