HEAD coach James Ford again hailed the "desire, grit and character" in his York City Knights side after they shocked Swinton Lions in an old-fashioned Challenge Cup tie amid snow, mud and a biting wind - but he also reckoned smartness played a big part in the victory.

The Knights had forfeited home advantage in this fourth round clash, having had little option but to switch it to Featherstone Rovers' Post Office Road ground with Bootham Crescent waterlogged and little chance of rescheduling it before round five.

But Ford's League One side overcame their Championship opponents and the freakish elements to register a 26-12 victory and a place in the hat for Tuesday night's fifth round draw, at which stage Super League clubs enter the competition.

"It was a magnificent effort, the attitude was fantastic and again they turned up for each other," said Ford of his troops.

"They put themselves under pressure at times and Swinton had a decent amount of ball, but we had so much desire. The players worked hard for each other and we scored one or two nice tries on the back of it.

"There was lots to commend both sets of players for. To come out and serve up what they did in those conditions was admirable.

"We had plenty of desire, grit and fight, and lots of it (the victory) was down to that. But there were also small technical adjustments we needed to make. We've got a smart bunch and they adjusted pretty well.

"All that doesn't just happen on a Sunday. It's about what they do through pre-season and through the well and in their preparation and how they live their lives."

The pitch was covered in snow but passed a morning pitch inspection, with the ground getting increasingly heavy as they game wore on.

The Knights led 20-0 midway through the first half playing down the infamous Post Office Road slope but Swinton fought back to 20-12 and had plenty of second-half pressure before the Knights sealed victory with a late penalty and try.

"In conditions like these, the easiest way to make metres is through penalties," said Ford.

"At one point (in the second half) we were 6-1 down in the penalty count, and we copped some harsh ones. Swinton got some momentum, but we showed grit and character to hang on in there and turn the game.

"I wouldn't say it was comfortable but it was approaching that in the end."

He quipped: "It was not the prettiest performance but (Australian legend) Johnathan Thurston couldn't play pretty in these conditions."

Two notable team selections paid off for Ford - winger Ben Cockayne filling in at half-back and youngster Judah Mazive returning to the line-up on the flank, selected ahead of former Featherstone favourite Tommy Saxton.

Mazive scored tries at either end of the game while Cockayne notched a key try and assist.

There was also a try for ex-Featherstone skipper Tim Spears back at his old stomping ground.

Said Ford: "Judah's come back in in really testing conditions for the back field players.

"That was a marvellous finish in the corner (for the first try). If that was in Super League you'd be seeing it every week in adverts.

"Wherever you play Ben, he's going to play with tenacity, energy and desire. He could go play in a playground and he'd still do everything he could to win.

"He worked really hard and got amongst them. He maybe had a bit of fortune with his try but the harder you work, the luckier you get."

Ford also had praise for the two centres, Brad Hey and the recalled Jake Normington.

"I'm happy with what Jake's done," he said. "Swinton have tested his composure but he's done well. He's strong and done lots of good things with the ball as well.

"Brad Hey was massive for us, carrying the ball in tough situations. He put his hand up, and not only is he carrying the ball but he's winning contacts and getting extra metres when they're trying to get on top of you.

"It gets you rolling. He's had a massive impact on us winning this game."

On the team as a whole he added: "They're really together. They believe in each other and themselves. At the same time they won't get too far ahead of themselves."