YORK City boss Colin Walker welcomed a second chance to progress in the FA Trophy after a 1-1 home draw against Grays.

The two teams will now meet again at the Recreation Ground tomorrow with Walker relieved to get a reprieve after a first-half display he described as the worst since taking over as manager.

An Aaron O'Connor strike - deflected off Darren Kelly after Anthony Lloyd had lost possession on the touchline - gave Grays a second-half lead, but Craig Farrell's penalty ensured City and Grays will both enter the hat for today's third round draw. Walker said: "We were poor in the first half and it was the worst we have played since I have been in charge, but it was still 0-0.

"We started the second half very bright then conceded a really awful goal before our battling qualities came to the fore at the end.

"I thought they played well and stifled us in midfield. We worked hard, but some of our players weren't at the races. At least we are still in the tie though and have got another chance of getting through to the next round. That's more important than anything else and the biggest positive to take out of the game.

"We also gave them something to think about in the second half. Our three forwards caused a few problems. Craig Farrell and Onome Sodje were not at their best and their standards dropped a bit compared to how good they were in the last game, but they kept working hard and we will get another chance.

"We are also still undefeated in ten games, which isn't bad and we're hoping to make it 11 and get through to the third round."

Grays defender Jamie Stuart was penalised for the offence that saw Farrell force a second trip to the Recreation Ground from the spot. But Walker felt the decision was harsh, adding: "I'm not sure it was a penalty and thought it was a great tackle to be fair."

The City boss was forced into an early change when Martyn Woolford was unable to continue as he struggles to shrug off the viral bug that has dogged him for more than a week.

Woolford will now be doubtful for tomorrow night's match and Walker said: "He wasn't well and hasn't been for a while. It was a bit of a gamble, but he had to go off to be sick. He was somebody we wanted on the pitch but, unfortunately for him, he could not carry on."

Walker later introduced Phil Turnbull for his City debut and first senior match since dislocating a shoulder during the summer pre-season friendly at Frickley. Defender Danny Parslow made way for Turnbull, facilitating a switch to 4-3-3 prior to the equaliser and the sub set up a great chance for Farrell to win the tie.

Walker added: "That was a great pass and he needs to play those kind of balls more often. He passed backwards too much sometimes and it was a bit quick for him at times, but he got on the pitch and got more minutes on the road to recovery."

Saturday's crowd of 1,351 was more than 400 below the club's lowest home league crowd of the season, which was set for the midweek match with Stafford in October. Walker said: "I was a little bit disappointed with the attendance, but we've had plenty of home games on the spin."

City will have Stuart Elliott back from suspension for tomorrow night's tie while Richard Brodie (ankle) and Ross Greenwood (hamstring) also have chances of making the trip.