CHELMSFORD CITY manager Dean Holdsworth admitted Monday night's 2-2 draw with Concord Rangers was a "wake-up call" for his squad.
The newly-promoted visitors could probably count themselves unlucky not to have won the Essex derby at Melbourne Park, as they had by far the better of the second-half chances.
It was City's first game of the season after their scheduled game at Farnborough was postponed by the Football Conference less than 24 hours before kick-off.
And Holdsworth was pleased to get off and running – even if the performance left him frustrated.
"It's a wake-up call for everybody," he said. "The players needed this game to start the season.
"We were disappointed on Saturday with the shenanigans that have gone on down at Farnborough, but it's good to get this game out of the way and I've got to be pleased with some things and disappointed with other things."
Concord's front two of Sam Higgins and Jason Hallett – both former Clarets players – were a constant threat, and Holdsworth admitted that was a key factor for his side.
"One thing you must have is that desire," he added. "I thought we had it but I just didn't think we played very well in certain spells. "In certain areas I thought we got bullied a bit – I thought the players up front for them looked like two returning players, which always tell you they're going to try a bit harder.
"The reaction from going behind was fantastic. On the counter attack we got into some good areas.
"But as the game went on, I felt that the rivalry and the Concord endeavour showed – big hearts win games sometimes and if it's not happening for you, you've got to go back to trying your socks off. There's a few disappointed players in that dressing room so in that aspect we're pleased with a point."
Both Concord goals came from free-kicks swung into the box by Sam Collins.
Hallett headed in the first despite suspicions of offside, while the second somehow eluded the whole home defence and allowed John Easterford to score.
And Holdsworth added: "I wasn't happy with both the goals, because one of them is three yards offside.
"You've got to trust the officials and if you can't do that then it's difficult to comprehend.
"You ask them to defend well. If he does his job properly, then it's not a goal."
Holdsworth had a number of tough decisions to make in his selection, and he admitted there were some players disappointed to be left out.
He said: "Absolutely, and you expect that.
"We spoke about it before the game and they understand why I made the selection they did and it's down to those to force their way into the team now."
One player also headed for the exit door on Monday as midfielder Matt Lock departed in search of first-team football.
"I wish him well," Holdsworth said. "I understand where Locky is, he wants to go and play. I will now look to add to the squad."
