It was another result and point of mighty significance for York City.

Few sides have come away from the Withdean Stadium this season with anything to celebrate.

And even considering Tuesday night's morale boosting 1-0 win at Rochdale, few would have given the Minstermen much chance of adding to their meagre points haul at Brighton.

This point should be highly cherished therefore, but perhaps it wasn't the point after all.

The fact that City came back from a goal down could have even more significance come the season's end.

Rarely this season have City been able to bounce back. But now they and the fans know that falling a goal down does not need to spell disaster.

The Minstermen have a very definite 'Plan A' - to keep things tight, avoid any mistakes and hope that any meagre opportunities that come their way will be taken.

It sounds unimaginative but perhaps it is understandable given City's current standing and make-up.

But Rochdale aside, too often soft goals have been conceded and, seemingly with no 'Plan B', the game has been up.

It looked like City were walking that familiar, well-worn path at Withdean on Saturday after Gary Hart's 55th-minute opener for the Seagulls.

City had yet again put in a more-than-creditable perform-ance up to that point, but having gone a goal down there seemed no way back.

But no doubt buoyed by that midweek victory, there was no panic, no capitulation, just a desire to dust off the disappointment and start again.

It was a rare act of defiance and in doing so added another major string to their bow that should come in useful in the fight to avoid relegation.

They have found the corner rather than turned it, but having recorded their first win this year and now laid another significant bogey to rest their path is suddenly that bit clearer.

A point was the very least a cohesive if not overly enterprising City deserved.

For much of a controlled first half in particular, they played with an assurance and belief that has been sorely missed.

Lee Bullock went close with an angled drive on six minutes and the fact City had six corners to the home side's none in the opening half-hour or so merely emphasised the grip they had on the game.

It was underlined further when Seagulls manager Micky Adams replaced full-back Kerry Mayo for attacking midfielder Paul Brooker in a very definite tactical switch.

It sparked an improvement from Brighton as the half drew to a close, with Alan Fettis, having already pawed away a thunderous Andy Crosby header, making another two top class saves to deny the Brighton substitute, first tipping a rising drive over the bar then saving another effort with his feet.

Brooker's arrival on the scene in turn prompted a tactical change from City boss Terry Dolan at half-time, with Marc Thompson replaced by Colin Alcide and Matt Hocking moving out wide from the centre of the defence.

It couldn't stop Brighton from starting the second half from where they left the first however and with Brooker becoming an increasing threat a goal looked on the cards.

So it proved. From a corner, the ball was only half-cleared to Crosby. His cross-cum-shot was blocked by Bullock but the ball fell to Hart, who was able to prod it past an unsighted Fettis.

For a time, their tails up, Brighton looked to have an extra man and it took a fine tackle from Mark Bower to deny Hart a clear run on goal.

Ten minutes later that intervention looked even more crucial as City, who had now pushed Alcide up front as 'Plan B' went into action, got back on level terms.

Steve Agnew timed his run from midfield to perfection to latch on to Wayne Hall's cross from the left. His first touch took him beyond a flat Brighton defence and his second swept the ball past Michel Kuipers in the Seagulls goal.

Poor first touches from Zamora and Brooker saw good chances go begging for Brighton before Alcide forced a smart save from Kuipers with a stiff drive.

At the death, City had a good claim for a penalty turned down when David McNiven robbed a sleeping Crosby of possession and was then upended as the Brighton defender went to clear.

It wasn't to be, but still City can look forward to the arrival of in-form Hartlepool to Bootham Crescent in high hopes and with confidence renewed.

What were the chances of that just seven days earlier?

Brighton 1, York City 1

York City: Scorers: Hart 55mins; Alan Fettis 8, Marc Thompson 6 (Colin Alcide 46min, 6), Barry Jones 7, Matt Hocking 7, Mark Bower 8, Wayne Hall 7, Lee Bullock 6, Steve Agnew 7 (Leigh Wood 73min), Nick Richardson 6, Scott Emmerson 6 (David McNiven 78min), Lee Nogan7. Subs, not used: Russ Howarth, Kieran Darlow. Booked: Thompson 14min (foul) Sent off: None.

Brighton: Scorers: Agnew 67mins; Michel Kuipers, Paul Watson, Kerry Mayo (Paul Brooker 36min), Danny Cullip, Andy Crosby, Paul Rogers (Steve Melton 69min) , Gary Hart, Charlie Oatway, Richard Carpenter, Nathan Jones, Bobby Zamora Subs not used: Lee Steele, Scott Ramsay, Adam Virgo. Booked: Hart 12min (foul). Sent off: None.

Updated: 13:13 Monday, February 26, 2001