City boss Nigel Pearson praised his players for battling through "a cow field" in their 1-1 draw against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park this afternoon.

The surface had cut up even during the warm-up and was in a dreadful state for the rest of the match, meaning a passing game was at a premium.

Pearson said: "The players are exceptionally tired playing on a cow field . It was difficult to get any sort of decent football going. I thought we tried our best to manipulate the ball on a shocking surface on which we did well. Of course we are disappointed with the goal but it is a battling poiint. We showed some very good qualities in the second half  in terms of sticking bodies in the way and Chris Weale made a brilliant save along the way so it is not a bad point.

"It was the sort of game we would like to be winning but it was very difficult on an awful pitch."

City did have to weather a late storm from the home side who were attacking the goal in front of the travelling Blue Army and Pearson said: "We did defend well and had a bit of luck from some rebounds but that is how it goes. Again, what we have to do is build on the positives We showed a lot of commitment and drive. There were lost of good things and I am pleased for the fans who made the trip down that we are coming away with something.

"It would have been nice to have come away with all three points but under the circumstances, and the way the players stuck with it towards the end, I am sure they will be quite pleased."