ASSISTANT manager Micky Cummins is looking at York City's 1-1 draw at AFC Telford United as a point gained rather than two lost.

With the National League North's second and third-placed sides Chester and King's Lynn Town playing each other, the Minstermen had the chance to extend their lead at the summit with a win.

However, York were somewhat flat going forwards - barring a few sweet moves - while David Ferguson and goalscorer Jordan Burrow also missed good chances.

At the other end, despite looking near-impenetrable throughout the first half, the defence was caught out more often in the second - highlighted by the headed equaliser, scored by the diminutive James McQuilkin.

Cummins, though, is looking on the bright side.

"On reflection, I think it was fair," he said of the result.

"(Telford) haven't played for a couple of weeks and brought four in so we struggled to work out their formation.

"They matched us and nullified our threat. A couple of lads had off-days, and carrying that has a knock-on effect.

"With the performance, we'll take the draw.

"We didn't lack ideas but the bravery on the ball wasn't there," he added. "Their keeper gathered a couple of crosses unopposed.

"But it's stuff that can be worked on.

"It's a point away from home and minutes into Macca."

This is the second game in a row where City have struggled to a result. They were challenged well by lower-league outfit Buxton in the FA Cup last week before fighting back for the win.

Speculating on why this could be the case, Cummins said: "The opposition are working us out and our threats and dangers, so we've got to find out another way.

"We huffed and puffed but the touches weren't there.

"The lad up front caused us problems. Macca looked tired towards the end on his first game back.

"But it hasn't gone too badly and we'll take that."

Of McQuilkin's goal he said: "We initially lost the ball in the middle of the pitch and we never put enough pressure on the crosser.

"(McQuilkin) got in between the lines. It was a good finish but we've got to stop the throw-in taker getting the ball back."

Coming up next for York is a home FA Cup tie against Stockport County.

"They're champions of our league", Cummins commented. "It was our first game in charge last year.

"We can express ourselves. There will be a decent crowd and FA Cup atmosphere.

"(We might change) tactically and in set-up but not in approach or in being brave in the final third."

Elliott Durrell needs a couple more training sessions to find his feet, reckons Cummins, while Kyle McFarlane is looking good to be given a longer contract, with the tricky Christmas period on the horizon. Cummins also indicated York are looking to send more players out on loan. Wes York made such a move to Brackley Town on Friday until January.