ADAM HINSHELWOOD was pleased with the spirit shown by his side to claim a late 1-1 draw with Southend United.

On the opening day of the Vanarama National League season, York travelled to Essex against promotion-favourites Southend, who themselves were on a high after a recent successful takeover of the club.

An underwhelming first 45 saw Southend head into the break ahead after a glancing header from England C international Gus Scott-Morriss, with York unable to register a shot on goal in the first-half.

But a spirited effort after the half-time whistle saw a revival from the Minstermen, with substitute Lenell John-Lewis bagging a late header to get City on the board for the season.

The performance was pleasing for Hinshelwood, who was proud of the energy levels shown throughout his squad.

“In the main, it was a really good performance and I think a sign of how far we have come as a team,” Hinshelwood enthused.

“We’re disappointed that we haven’t won the game today, but we’re extremely proud of the efforts of the players.

“I thought that the substitutions today had a big impact and it’s one thing that I think we’ve got this year, a  good squad.

“I tried to stay a little bit loyal to the players that served us well towards the end-of-the-season, and with that in mind one of the areas we wanted to recruit in this Summer was those forward areas.

“To have Len, Ty [Tyrese Sinclair] and Ash [Ashley Nathaniel-George] all available to come off of the bench with Ricky [Aguiar] is great to have.

“I thought the players that started the game did well, we got into some good areas but it just didn’t fall for them on the day, but like I’ve said before is that the difference between the top teams and ourselves is having that squad that can compete in those areas.

“I thought that the lads did brilliant today.”

Hinshelwood believed that his side could have taken all three points at Roots Hall, after refusing to sit back once the equaliser had been scored.

The York manager also paid homage to supporters after 501 made the trip into Essex, despite numerous problems with public transport and the long journey to start the season.

Hinshelwood continued: “I think we’re a bit disappointed that we didn’t come away with all three points today, we definitely tried to win the game.

“That’s going to always be my teams, I want us to play on the front foot and to be aggressive, to try and win games rather than just coming here and being happy with a point.

“I think that our fans demand that, they travelled in great numbers today even if it was a bit of a nightmare for them to get here with the trains and stuff. I’m glad that we at last got something for them to come home with.”