YORK City manager Steve Watson admits his players were below-par in the 1-1 draw against Southport - but has slammed the small section of fans who booed at the full-time whistle.

Alex Kempster's tap-in just before the break rescued a point at Bootham Crescent after Port skipper David Morgan broke the deadlock with a "world-class" strike from range.

In truth, City did not do a whole lot to have deserved the win more than their visitors, and Watson could be seen gesticulating in a frustrated manner on the touchline as yet another pass went astray.

He said: "It was a frustrating game today to the point where you look back and think, 'Did we dip below the standards we can reach?'

"If half the team does, usually it's enough, because we've got enough good players, but everybody dipped below their standards with the ball today.

"The only thing that got us through was being solid and grinding out the result, but you hope to be more progressive at home.

"Credit to Southport, they didn't sit back like other teams have. We can't use that as an excuse.

"We weren't creative enough and we made some bad decisions."

When asked about the vocal disapproval at full time, Watson simply said: "Incredible.

"Somebody shouted 'Shambles'.

"I can't do anything about it. I wish I could.

"If what we've done this season deserves that, I don't know what I can do."

Morgan's was a fine strike to open the scoring - and Watson does not begrudge shot-stopper Peter Jameson for failing to reach it.

"It was a world-class strike. There's not many keepers would have saved that," he said.

"That's not an issue.

"Pete's saved most things that have come at it this season so I'm not starting to criticise him now."

Jordan Burrow was rested as a precaution, having picked up a small calf injury five minutes into the Guiseley game.

Watson will continue to exercise caution with Steve McNulty, though he is hopeful of getting Paddy McLaughlin back soon.

However, with the injury situation not yet abating, Watson says he might be inclined to use some leftover funds to bring in back-up.

"Jordan and Josh King might be back Thursday," he said. "Paddy might be closer next week.

"We've got room for manoeuvre. There is still money left and we might have to look at something like that."