The Iron's youth team kicked off their new Puma U18 Youth Alliance North East Division season with a 1-1 draw at York City on Saturday.

Tony Daws' side came from behind to claim a point against the Minstermen, but could have been ahead after Marcus Gibbs missed a chance in the opening stages.

Iron goalkeeper Ross Hyslop saved well just before the break, while Ashley Palmer had a header cleared off the goal-line soon after the restart.

Gibbs was causing problems with his pace and he was through again on the hour mark but his shot was blocked again for an Iron corner.

On 73 minutes the home side took the lead as United were caught on the counter attack. The Iron were committed on the attack but a long clearance saw the City striker race clear to slot the ball past Hyslop to give the Minstermen the lead.

United responded in fine fashion and equalised immediately on 74 minutes when Jack Cross' cross-cum-shot was headed home past the stranded keeper by Gibbs.

The away side almost snatched the winner on 80 minutes when a deep Johnathan Williams corner found the head of defender Alfred Gbanie who saw his header hooked off the City goal line.

United youth coach Tony Daws said: "York are always a difficult team to play against and today was no different as they made it a very tough game for us.

"Also today, our line up was affected by illness and injury and we only had 12 fit outfield players to select from.

"We were also a young team as we had five U17 boys starting the game and playing at U18 level.

"Overall, I thought that there were a lot of positives that we can take from the performance."

For a more in-depth report, plus Tony Daws' extensive pre-season analysis, see Tuesday night's Middlesbrough edition of our award-winning matchday magazine THE IRON.