YORK City rescued a point from their trip to Gateshead as a late Shaqai Forde equaliser earned a 2-2 draw in the North East.

Here are five things we learnt from the Vanarama National League clash.

1. Webb comments wide of the mark

The main talking point from the Gateshead International Stadium was the post-match interview with manager David Webb rather than the action on the pitch.

The York boss claimed that City had "completely dominated" the second half and that his side were "unlucky" not to have come away with all three points.

Given that Gateshead were on top in the shot count and had the lion's share of possession, it was not a viewpoint that was not shared by many Minstermen fans.

After such a dire performance in the 3-0 defeat to Gateshead last week, searching for positives from the display in the North East was understandable.

However to state that York were deserving of the victory at Gateshead felt very wide of the mark.

2. Late equaliser should provide short-term boost

Whatever supporters may have made of Webb's post-match comments, it should be hoped that Forde's late equaliser can be the springboard and momentum-driver for an upturn in the side's fortunes.

Now on a run of just one win in their last 12 league matches, York appear in clear need of a victory against Maidstone United on Saturday (3pm).

To call it a must-win would be a stretch, but playing another relegation-battling outfit at home should be seen as a major chance to pick up some points and kickstart a flagging season.

Even with York currently closer to the play-offs than the relegation zone, the current run of form and background boardroom noise has left fans fearing the worst in 2023.

3. Dream debut from Forde

Having signed on loan from Watford until the end of the season on Wednesday, Forde could scarcely have wished for a better start to life in a York shirt.

Appearing off the bench, the forward steered in a Manny Duku knock-on to secure a point for City in the final minute of normal time.

The 18-year-old has moved away from home for the first time in making the switch to North Yorkshire and a dream debut should settle any nerves.

A first start could well await the teenager on Saturday.

4. City rewarded for 4-4-2 switch

The introduction of Forde and Duku from the bench saw York move to a 4-4-2, a formation rarely deployed by City this season.

The switch was only made midway through the second half when York were chasing the game.

Given that Lenell John-Lewis often appeared isolated up front on his own in the first half, it would be interesting to see how York would fare if they were to stick with the formation through the entire 90 minutes.

5. Gateshead prove National League worth

Having taken just one point from the two festive meetings with relegation-fighting Gateshead, York will be bitterly disappointed with such a return.

With that said, last season's National League North champions thoroughly impressed City fans with their attractive style of football, which has evidently carried on from the 2021/22 campaign.

If Heed can improve their home form - it is currently the third-worst in the league - then they have every chance of surviving the drop.