York City claimed their first point League point for almost a month and ended their goal drought at 421 minutes but manager Neil Thompson was far from happy.

OFF THE LINE: Southend's Nathan Jones clears off the line from a header by Colin Alcide (right) from a Scott Jordan corner in the first half at Bootham Crescent last night. City's Mark Sertori is in the centre of the frame. Picture by Steven Bradshaw.

The Minstermen under-achieved during most of their 2-2 draw against Southend United, managed by former City boss Alan Little, at Bootham Crescent last night.

And, while not naming names, Thompson was not enamoured with one or two performances within his camp.

"You shouldn't have to question how hard players work. That is something that you should always get from them," said Thompson.

"But there were two or three players out there who didn't do it and that is all it takes to ensure that we cannot function properly as a team.

"That we get hard work from them should be taken as read."

City had to rally themselves after slipping behind to a strike from ex-City player Gordon Connelly, a mix -up between defender Chris Fairclough and goalkeeper Bobby Mimms gifting him his goal.

But striker Marc Williams' 70th minute equaliser brought the City goal drought to an end.

Scott Jordan added a second goal five minutes later, but an 80th minute goal from Martin Carruthers gave Southend what was a deserved point.

"I suppose the fact that we scored two was a positive point for us, but yet again I was disappointed with the way we conceded goals," said Thompson.

"Once we had got ahead then you think we have got our chance, but we did not keep our shape so we have to be disappointed even though we have started scoring again.

"But we cannot be happy with the way their goals went in. The first one was a mix up between our two most experienced players and I don't care whose fault it was that has not got to happen.

"And the second goal was poor because the ball was in the air a long time without our being able to get a challenge in."

However, Thompson did praise some of his side with Marc Williams, 18-year-old John Keegan, who made his City debut, and midfielder Steve Agnew, back after six weeks out with a neck injury, being among those picked out.

"The thing about Willo is that he is unpredictable and because of that he is always likely to get you a goal," said Thompson.

"And he took it well and managed to get his shot in after having to turn and he has put us right back in the game.

"John Keegan has done well in the youth team and reserves and felt time had a look at him and he came through well.

"And I was particularly pleased for Steve because he had only had 45 minutes football after six weeks out and you could not fault him for his effort and enthusiasm.

"To say that his neck injury had prevented him from even running until two weeks ago, his getting through 90 minutes last night was incredible and he has shown an awful lot of bottle."

However, Thompson revealed that he will be laying down the law to midfielder Christian Fox, who was one of three York players to be cautioned.

While Fairclough and Agnew collected yellow cards for fouls, Fox can expect his wages to be docked for his booking for dissent after kicking the ball away at a free kick.

"I have praised Christian of late and he is maturing into a very good player, but what he did in kicking the ball away was just stupid," said Thompson.

"He has got booked for dissent so that will come out of his wages and that is something I have always done at the club.

"The simple fact is that he is now another booking towards a suspension for no reason and that in a season when we really need to have every player we can available to play."

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