A first half misunderstanding by Gamble and skipper Adie Moses had allowed York to go ahead.

But otherwise the teenager was in unbeatable form as Stags roared back with a Michael Blackwood equaliser and Gamble defied City at the other end.

• York City 1 Mansfield Town 1

"He had a fantastic game and I am really pleased for the boy," said McEwan.

"He made up for the mix-up when he could have gone under and showed mental courage to make some magnificent stops, as did their keeper at the other end."

The game was shown live on Setanta Sports television and McEwan added: "The TV company will be well pleased with that game - it had everything, goalmouth scrambles, great saves from both keepers and chances at either end.

"I am just grateful we came away with a good point. It could have been three though they will be saying the same thing.

We would have settled for that result beforehand but we did want to win it and I think we were very positive and had a go.

"We opened the first half well and did well for half an hour. A mistake led to their goal which you will get at times.

"But we kept our composure, opened the second half great and their keeper had already made a fantastic save before scored straight after so we deserved it.

"We have showed character to come from behind and I am proud of them and pleased for the fans. Over 300 of them came up here on a Tuesday night and I am grateful for that.

"This is a tough venue and it was a good point.

"Michael (Blackwood) took his goal well and had a great chance when he was clean through with only the keeper to beat later on but I think his legs had turned to water by then.

"But we are creating chances at a difficult place and we will continue to work on it."

York boss Colin Walker said: "I have just seen it back on the TV and Paddy Gamble made three great saves in about five seconds.

"I am really pleased with our attacking play tonight. All our attacking players looked really sharp and caused them problems.
"We will play worse than that this season and win.

"We caused them lots of problems but were just missing that clinical bit at the end.

"Mansfield also have exciting players going forward as well, playing off Mark Stallard who is very experienced.

"It was a great game to watch though my heart was going at times."

Stags have slipped into third spot as Burton Albion have eased above them by a single goal into second with Salisbury leapfrogging to top spot.