YORK City Knights head coach James Ford is hoping the new 3G surface at Whitebank will suit his side as they seek a first win at Oldham in eight years.

The relegated Roughyeds are back at this modest venue this season - the ground did not meet Championship regulations but has been given special dispensation to stage League One games.

Now called the Vestacare Stadium, it has recently had a 3G pitch installed, via Avro FC, the ground's other tenants, and Ford is hopeful his side will be as used to such a surface as their hosts.

"I don't think it will do us any harm," he said, ahead of Sunday's big clash.

"We train on a similar surface. We expect a fast game - such a surface can facilitate skilful, fast performances and hopefully that will suit us."

The Knights have not won on their two previous visits to Whitebank, in 2015 and 2014, but they did win the first-ever rugby league game to be held at there back in 2010.

"The fact is we haven't won there since 2010 and it's about time that changed," stated Ford.

"This group of players has the ability to do that, but it will take an immense effort.

The Knights' match at Coventry last weekend was postponed because of the weather, as was Oldham's game against Hemel.

Ford said: "We would have preferred to have played but it's irrelevant now. I'm sure both teams' training would have been impacted on (by the weather). It's the same for both and it's not something we'll be using as an excuse, as I'm sure Oldham won't."