NEEDHAM Market manager Kevin Horlock admits that he could not have asked for more from his side as they held York City to a goalless draw in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday.

Though the Minstermen enjoyed both the majority of possession and chances, Needham defended resolutely to force a replay at Bloomfields tomorrow night (7:45pm).

Midfielder Dylan Williams came close to winning the tie for the Southern League Premier Division Central side after being found in a pocket of space on the edge of the box, but it was perhaps at the other end of the pitch they were at their most impressive.

Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham was equal to everything that came his way, whilst a headed clearance from the impressive Jake Dye somehow turned Dipo Akinyemi's goal-bound strike onto the post and away to safety in the dying minutes.

Though 33 places separate the sides in the footballing pyramid, with Needham plying their trade two steps below City, Horlock has praised his side's desire and willingness to come away from the LNER Community Stadium with a deserved draw.

"I couldn't have asked for more from the lads," the former Manchester City midfielder, who was once just minutes away from a Quarter Final in the competition as a player with Swindon Town, told the club.

"I think the ultimate goal was to be in the hat [for the First Round proper], which we are, and I thought that the lads were brilliant.

"We had long periods without the ball, which you expect, but I thought that our shape defensively and our willingness to put our bodies on the line was clear for everyone to see.

"And we actually had a few chances. I think the first half, going in, we had three shots, they had about one, so the game plan worked.

"The lads gave everything and they deserve the replay. Hopefully we can rest up and recuperate, and we're raring to go on Tuesday."

Needham were comfortable in keeping York's attackers out, extending a remarkable feat that has not seen them concede during their five matches in this season's competition thus far.

That is impressive in itself considering the higher opposition faced in the Vanarama National League North's Peterborough Sports and now City, but for all of the Minstermen's chances, Needham's defence never looked rattled.

Away from the Cup, the Marketmen currently sit third in the Southern League Premier Division Central, having lost just twice this term, and Horlock believes a strong all-around performance has been a hallmark of his side this season.

RECAP: York City 0-0 Needham Market - FA Cup

"It's not shocked me," he admitted. "They've done it bar the first game of the season [a 6-1 drubbing at Stratford Town].

"They've been magnificent all season - they give everything, they work hard for each other, they demand off each other, they want to improve and they're good footballers. We're a good team on our day.

"We worked so hard out off possession, and when we landed on it, we got tired towards the end, but I'm made up for the lads, they deserve it.

"I said to them in the [dressing room], this isn't the job done, the job done is trying to get into the First Round still, which again we'll still be massive underdogs, but it's at home.

"We haven't got to do the travelling, we've set ourselves up for that, so can we go and finish the job off!"

The winner of tomorrow night's replay will travel to National League North outfit Chester in the First Round proper on the weekend of November 3-6.

Both Needham and York were knocked out at that stage of the competition last term, losing on the road at Sky Bet League One sides Burton Albion and Shrewsbury Town respectively.