A SATISFIED Steve Watson has said York City's 2-1 pre-season win over Middlesbrough is a "step in the right direction" and praised his attacking options.

City wrapped up their trio of North East fixtures at the LNER Community Stadium on Tuesday night with an excellent performance and result against Boro.

Mark Beck scored a debut goal just before half-time to add to Mackenzie Heaney's equaliser after Dael Fry had put Middlesbrough ahead.

York rallied well following the early setback and throughout the game showed composure on the ball and threat going forward.

The win neatly rounds off three warm-up fixtures which have seen two wins and a draw against Boro, Newcastle United and Sunderland.

"We were on the back foot from the start but we've seen a great response from the lads and great fitness," Watson said.

"Creating chances against Championship sides isn't easy. Again, I'm really pleased with how things went but it's the 14th of August that matters to us and that's another step in the right direction.

"They've got themselves really fit and in a confident state. We've tried to do things a little differently this season. We've probably got less defenders in the squad and a couple more attacking options.

"That's what we need to do. If we're going to try and challenge to get out of this league, we need to have to have as many options as possible.

"We've always had a steady enough back line so maybe taking one out of the back line and adding maybe another striking option so far looks like it's going to plan.

"But it's a long way to go and the big word for us is to have that bit of balance where when we do do well, we don't get carried away and start thinking, 'This is going to be easy' because this league is anything but.

"On the same token, when we do have those off-days, we're not all of a sudden a rubbish team.

"We need to find that balance where we can turn out results, be confident and be consistent week in and week out.

"But all I can do now is be thoroughly satisfied with the start we've made."

The only blot on the fixture was the second-half departure of Scott Barrow, who went down holding his standing leg with no one near him.