York City produced a thrilling finish to their third pre-season friendly as Premier League side Middlesbrough were held to a 2-2 draw at Kitkat Crescent.
Jonathan Franks gave Boro the lead just after half time, but impressive goals from youngster Adam Boyes on 72 minutes and Onome Sodje on 87 put City 2-1 up.
David Wheater's 89th minute equaliser robbed City of a morale-boosting win.
"I think the spine of the football team is a lot, lot better now," said City manager Colin Walker.
"We've got competition for centre-halves, we've got massive competition for the centre of midfield, and massive competition for centre-forward," Walker added.
"I'm really pleased with the players' performance and attitude"
"We had two centre-forwards in the second half, one 19-years old [Sodje] and the other 17 [Boyes] and both of them got on the scoresheet as well which is really, really good.
"Results don't matter, what matters is what happens at Crawley on 9 August, but we passed it well in both halves against some very good players."
Triallist midfielder Lee Elam played for 55 minutes and Walker added: "He couldn't train all week because he's been on a coaching course. That's one we're going to have a look at. I'm going to speak to him again on Monday."
New signings Niall Henderson and Ben Wilkinson started the game and played 84 and 90 minutes respectively.
Dave McGurk played the whole game against his old club, and the one for which he was a ball-boy when they played Chelsea in the League Cup Final at Wembley in 1998.
"I'm really pleased with the player's performance and attitude," Walker concluded.
Meanwhile, striker Daniel McBreen is nearing full fitness. He is not expected to feature in Tuesday's game at Barnsley but should be ready for the Hartlepool game on 30 July. Steven Hogg has a thigh strain but should recover by Monday.
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