York City boss happy to net Shrimpers point (From York Press)

York City boss happy to net Shrimpers point

12:00pm Monday 29th October 2012 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

York City goalkeeper Michael Ingham and his defence stand firm in the face of a raid by hosts Southend United in Saturday’s 0-0 npower League Two draw at Roots Hall

YORK CITY boss Gary Mills praised his side’s “massive heart” after they bagged a point in a goalless draw at Southend United.

Securing a share of the League Two spoils, which meant the Minstermen picked up seven points from nine following a busy week, pleased the City boss, who said his men were full value for the result.

“I thought we were excellent – after three games in a week and on this long journey, coming down here and playing how we played. I thought the first half was outstanding,” he said.

“Our final ball in the last third let us down again which we’ve said on a few occasions this season, but we keep doing it, we keep getting in that last third and opening teams up.

“When we had to dig in during the second half a few times and head it away at the back we did so, so we deserved the point. We could have had three but we definitely deserved a point, there’s no two ways about that.”

In a game of few quality chances for either side, City largely nullified Southend barring a spell in the last 15 minutes and Mills added: “I thought our shape was excellent and they had no answer.

“They couldn’t get playing. They went a little bit route one a couple of times and hoped to get a flick, but it didn’t happen for them.

“We defended when we needed to, stuck our heads in, and Inghy’s hands were really good from crosses when needed.

“They are all part of getting points in football matches. It’s not just about scoring goals. I thought our hearts were massive.”

Mills continued: “I said to the lads at half-time there was only one negative for me – the ball has gone into my box a few too many times and, when that ball goes in the box, something could happen that they could get a goal from.

“I thought Danny Kearns was outstanding – excellent for us. I could pick a few players out. Matty Blair’s work rate, as a striker, to get back and win tackles in our last third – get back goal side – to take the pressure off (was excellent). It takes a big heart to do that.

“You don’t get clean sheets if your strikers don’t work like mine did. We have gone away to Accrington and away to Southend and picked up four points. That’s not bad is it? It’s a big, big point for us.”

Mills said the results from the scan on Michael Coulson’s knee injury were expected today, and he reiterated his hope that the forward has not damaged his cruciate ligament after being stretchered off on Tuesday night.

Mills added: “We are keeping our fingers crossed for him that he hasn’t done his cruciate again. We are hoping that’s the case. He’ll be pleased we have got a point again and we’ve missed him being with us.

“We are one big team here, we like everyone to be with us, and that point was for him.”