Aggrieved York City chief Terry Dolan was a far from happy manager despite Saturday's confidence-boosting 1-1 draw at high-flying Brighton.

"I am disappointed more than anything because I felt we should have had a penalty with virtually the last kick of the game," insisted the City boss.

"I just cannot believe how the referee didn't give it.

"David McNiven has caught their defender (Andy Crosby) by surprise, taken the ball off him on the by-line inside the box and he has caught David on the shin.

"He has given a throw in to Brighton which I just could not understand."

Despite the last-minute controversy, Dolan admitted he was pleased the way City had battled back to from being a goal down to claim a share of the spoils through skipper Steve Agnew's third goal of the season.

"That is the first time we have come back from a goal down for a long time and it is something else that will give everyone a lift," said Dolan.

"As long as everyone is battling that is the main thing.

"We had to get people behind the ball, we had to make it difficult.

"If you do that then try and keep the ball when you do have possession it is going to give everyone a bit of a lift.

"The tactical battle is what it is sometimes all about but as long as you don't make mistakes you have a chance of winning games."

Saturday certainly became a battle of the tactical wiles between Dolan and his opposite number, Micky Adams.

Both managers made tactical substitutions relatively early and continued to change formations during the afternoon.

Updated: 10:50 Monday, February 26, 2001