STEVE WATSON has pointed to York City's first-half display as the most disappointing part of the Minstermen's 3-1 defeat to AFC Fylde.

The Coasters looked confident on the ball in the first half compared to York's somewhat more disjointed display. Where Fylde cut through the hosts with sharp passing, City were more likely to place theirs out of play.

Though the immediate threat of Fylde dulled as the half went on, York could not seize control of proceedings and found themselves 1-0 down at the break with Alex Whitmore driving home from an injury-time corner.

In the second half, two excellent long-range Nick Haughton free kicks put Fylde out of sight.

Loan striker Gabby McGill registered the hosts' only shot on target of the game, discounting Sean Newton's penalty kick, which briefly gave York hope at 2-1 down in the second half.

"I was really disappointed with the first half," Watson said. "We weren't brave enough on the ball, we couldn't get the ball into the front men or control possession. We were stretching for things and seemed to panic.

"That said, both keepers didn't have a lot to do. They only really tested Pete from distance.

"When you've got 45 minutes after not playing great, you've just got to see the half out. I asked the referee why he allowed the time (to take the corner) and he said he will always allow it.

"You don't often see Pete beaten from distance, let alone twice. It was two bits of absolute quality that won the game for them.

"You know my thoughts on Pete - he's saved us more points than he's cost us. High-profile keepers have been making mistakes.

"We have had injuries through this spell and we put out the team we thought was strongest.

"The fact is we didn't do enough first half.

"Make no mistake, they'll be up there."