YORK City boss Chris Brass has hailed teenage goalkeeper David Stockdale for his impressive recovery after a mistake that gifted Farnborough an early lead on Saturday.

Andy Bishop's 81st-minute equaliser earned the Minstermen a point at Cherrywood Road but only after Stockdale, 19, had made three crucial second-half saves.

It was the Leeds-born stopper's tenth consecutive appearance between the first-team sticks and he is almost certain to keep his place against Canvey Island on Saturday.

Brass said: "David called for the ball and I got out of the way but, as he's landed on it, it's hit the ground and he's fumbled it but one mistake in ten games is not bad.

"Unfortunately he was punished for it and it's frustrating that they got a goal from it but he rectified things in the second half.

"I am sure he will make bigger blips in his career and how he responded justifies the confidence I have in him and will increase his confidence in himself."

Brass also gave teenage defender Sean Davies his first taste of senior action this season and was pleased with his contribution alongside Gary Pearson, saying: "Sean took his chance and is happy with his level of performance."

Striker Lev Yalcin did not start at Farnborough despite his spectacular midweek goal at Morecambe but came on as a 51st-minute substitution for player-coach Lee Nogan.

A blow to his ankle sidelined Nogan and, having already nursed a sore hamstring, he will now face a race to be fit to face Canvey.

Brass said: "Lev did tremendously well in midweek but we are trying to keep our shape as much as we can with all the changes we have had to make because of injuries. Andy Bishop and Lee Nogan were both struggling a bit before going into the match so we preferred to put fresh legs on the bench rather than take a gamble on one of them coming on and only lasting five or ten minutes."

The City manager added that he believes Saturday's late equaliser was deserved and could turn out to be crucial later in the season, saying: "We persevered and thankfully got a goal. It could be a massive, massive point and the start of another unbeaten run.

"A point from a late goal can add up at the end of the season. David Stockdale showed tremendous charater and so did the team.

"When we went a goal down in games at the start of the season we did not look like getting anything out of them but I think we were unfortunate to only get a point so the next test is coming back to win a game."

Updated: 09:57 Monday, October 11, 2004