The boss argued his side ‘lacked composure’ at times during the first half, but praised their mentality to turn the tide of the game and take a share of the spoils.

Whickham had lead until the stroke of halftime through an unfortunate own goal - Tom Eglinton forcing the ball over the line after a break in communication.

Marske ceded numerous chances to the Lang Jacks in the opening half hour, a series of mistakes Paul Burton attributed to a lack of composure in certain areas.

“It wasn’t the greatest game, let’s be honest.” He said. “There wasn’t a great deal of football played.

“To be fair to Whickham they played to their strengths, as I said. They’re a big strong side. They play the ball forward, get it in the box as often as they can. They put you under pressure.

“We told the guys beforehand what to expect. First half, I was just disappointed in our lack of composure at times.

“We kept giving it back to them and giving them opportunities. The goal we conceded was disappointing. An own goal.

“It’s just about talking. If the ‘keeper lets him know there the ball just runs through to him and we don’t concede.

“We made a lot of mistakes in the first half. We just lacked composure.”

Burton had plenty of positives to add when it came to his side’s ability to respond to early adversity.

Charlie Watt scored from the penalty spot to tie the game, his first goal for the club on debut.

“Charlie’s stepped up and took a great penalty there. I was pleased to come in level.” He said.

“We played them twice in the fourteen games I was here last season, and they beat us twice. They scored two goals in four minutes here and beat us three-two.

“Last season we’d have lost that game. I just said to the guys in the dressing room, the most important thing when you’re not playing well is to get something out of the game, and we’ve done that.

“We’ve got a point. We would have loved three, but it’s a start. A good start.”