YORK City manager Steve Watson says his team are where they want to be after their goalless draw at Guiseley.

The Minstermen ceded top spot in the National League North to King's Lynn Town, who beat fourth-placed Alfreton Town 3-2.

But with three key players injured in Steve McNulty, Paddy McLaughlin and Dan Maguire, York fans will be forgiven for some degree of relief at coming out of their meeting with the division's top scorers.

Furthermore, it was one of York's most impressive outings to date this season. The only thing lacking was the very final touch.

It is still early days, though, as Watson acknowledges.

Asked if there is any pressure that accompanies leading the table at such an early stage in the season, he said: "It's great to see us top of the league but we're not even in double-figure games yet.

"We're where we want to be - unbeaten and right up there.

"We've still got teams to play who we can affect - King's Lynn and Chester - as have Guiseley."

And on the game itself - "It would have been a good game to watch," Watson admitted.

After a slightly tepid affair at the weekend against Gloucester, this game was played at breakneck speed. Guiseley's front men Aaron Martin and Lee Shaw were insistent and unrelenting, City's attack strong and nippy.

Both keepers were needed to keep their sides in the game. George Sykes-Kenworthy scooped Jordan Burrow's header from practically behind him on the line, while Burrow himself made a goalline clearance after Jameson's outstanding point-blank save from Martin.

A winner for either side would have been cruel - yet neither would it have been undeserved.

Watson added: "It's one of those things where there are two completely different styles of football but both are equally effective.

"It's not the way I play but there's lots of ways to win a game of football and it's been effective for them.

"I thought their striker was a handful. Very impressive.

"We had to work hard - you can't not work hard the way Guiseley play. They give you very little respite.

"You know the way they play and when you play against them they still surprise you how often they go forward.

"Pete made some good saves and so did their keeper.

"I thought that was one of our best performances in the first half, but it was one of those nights where nothing seemed to drop for you.

"Fergy and Griff put in about 12 crosses.

"But when you don't score and you come away with a point, you take it."

Harry Spratt made his league start for York, playing on the left of the back three in place of Josh King.

King, Watson said, was not fully fit when he joined training, then got injured in the first session. With him still feeling the effects of Saturday, Watson thought it better to play Spratt in defence.

"I thought he acquitted himself very well," said Watson of the former Manchester United youngster.

The man they are both replacing, club captain McNulty, is improving and will continue to be assessed.