Mark Jackson gave his thoughts to the media after seeing his Under-23s side draw 3-3 with Sunderland, at York City’s LNER Community Stadium.

The Whites were leading for a large part of the Premier League Cup encounter, but the visitors staged a late comeback to take a point from the match.

Speaking after the game, Jackson summarised his views on the performance.  

He said: “First half I thought we controlled the game, but yes we still gave up a few situations against us which we weren’t happy with.  

“With the ball I thought we controlled the game and played how we wanted to play, I thought the boys took on the information we gave them pre-game of how we wanted to attack. 

“I thought we reacted well on the transitions and I thought there were loads of positives in the first half, including the goals we scored, they were good goals. 

“But then going into the second half, we spoke to the players at half time and we’re fully aware of the dangers of what could come.

“We let Sunderland get back into it. We let them dominate the game and I gave very honest reflections to the players immediately after the game. 

“I wanted to see more grit, more determination and more doggedness to defend in moments where the opposition were on top and I don’t think we did that.”

“It does feel like a defeat when you’re three goals up and you draw 3-3, but like anything the important thing is to review it, certainly the second half. 

“The first half will take care of itself, the positives were there but it’s the defending aspect and the understanding of how to manage games.”