YORK City reserves battled back from being 2-0 down to salvage a point in their Avon Insurance League clash with Lincoln City at Bootham Crescent.

An Allen Pearce header on five minutes and a goal from Chris Ward ten minutes into the second half put the Imps into a commanding position.

But City, possibly playing their last second-string game should they go out of existence this weekend, pulled a goal back on the hour mark when Leigh Wood crossed for Jon Parkin to head home at the far post.

The same players combined for City's equaliser five minutes later, Wood chipping the ball forward for Parkin, who then lobbed Lincoln goalkeeper Darren Horrigan from the edge of the penalty area.

In the closing stages, Lincoln were twice denied a winner by the woodwork following efforts from distance from Scott Willis and Chris Cornelly.

As City look ahead to Saturday's Division Three match with Swansea City, there was further good news for manager Terry Dolan, who intimated in the wake of City's 3-1 defeat at Torquay he may be ready to make changes at the back.

Defenders Scott Jones and Chris Smith both came through the reserves' match unscathed. Jones' substitution midway through the second half was an indication he is in the manager's thoughts for the weekend.

Updated: 12:25 Thursday, January 16, 2003