PROMOTION is back on the agenda at York City Knights after Sunday's rousing win over Barrow.

Knights' chief executive Steve Ferres says that getting into National League One remains the main target of the season -- and thanked the dedicated Knights fans for turning out in their hundreds on Sunday to help lift the team out of their four-game losing rut and get them back on track.

He said: "I just wanted to say how pleasing and uplifting it was to see a crowd of 1,300 plus when, in real terms, we have no divine right of promotion.

"Promotion is what we are aiming for and what we are working towards but we have had set-backs including losing six players since the start of the season who would probably be in the first 17 now.

"What Sunday did was give us back the belief that people in York are behind us. After having four successive defeats and five games away from home, it was great to get back to Huntington Stadium and see everyone there.

"It's testament to what we are trying to do and all I can say is a great thanks to the public for turning out like they did."

More than 1,150 Knights supporters snubbed mouthwatering clashes at nearby Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos to contribute to a crowd of 1,307 at Huntington Stadium which roared their side to a double over league leaders Barrow.

Ferres added: "It's got to be a confidence boost for the club and the personnel at the club to know that the belief is there that we will get there.

"We are still trying to achieve our goals and it was the crowd that helped us achieve a goal on Sunday because of their vociferous support and sheer numbers. They helped us by getting behind us and it really lifted us to that win."

As well as the exhilarating and entertaining win, supporters were also rewarded for their commitment with impressive debuts from the three Hull KR signings, Craig Farrell, Dean Andrews and Adam Sullivan.

Second row Andrews made the best possible first impression with a try right in front of the Pop Stand.

"They don't come my way very often so to score on my debut is a great feeling," the 25-year-old said.

"It's fantastic to be here because it's a great opportunity to come and play competitive football. At Rovers, we were all just fringe players really and never really had the chance to establish ourselves in the first team.

"I started here and I really enjoyed it. The lads are great, there's some good players and we got the win.

"Really, I think our aim from today is to stay in the team as much as possible until the end of the year and hopefully help the team get promoted."

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, August 04, 2004