YORK City Knights players have imposed their own alcohol ban on themselves in the run-up to Sunday’s big one against Bradford Bulls.

The players have laid off all booze since before last weekend, including forfeiting any celebratory beers on a “dry bus” back from London Skolars on Saturday.

Head coach James Ford says the alcohol-free call came from the senior players.

“It wasn’t a ban (by club chiefs),” he said. “The players just decided that this week is important enough for them to make even more sacrifices than they usually make. It certainly wasn’t a ban.

“It highlights the importance of the game and the professionalism of this playing group.

“It came from the senior players.”

The Knights go into the game two points behind Bradford at the top of Betfred League One, with eight games left thereafter.

Defeat would leave the full-time Bulls, already huge odds-on title favourites, with a four-point cushion and needing to slip up twice for York to have any chance of catching them. They have lost only once so far this season.

Victory would draw the Knights level, leaving the teams separated only by points-difference.

Ford's men have lost only twice this term - including to Bradford, to a controversial penalty after the final hooter, on the opening day of the season.

Asked if a “dry bus” would make much difference eight days before the Odsal showdown, Ford said: “With games of this magnitude where you have two excellent teams and both sides willing to give everything, the result can be influenced by fine margins.

“We have eight days between our last game and this one to recover and prepare. It probably won’t make a huge difference but it could come down to one point or one play.

“I think it’s great that the players are willing to make even more sacrifices than we ask of them.”

Bradford, meanwhile, will be able to call on the services of Leeds Rhinos' half-back Jordan Lilley this weekend following his return to Odsal on loan.

Lilley, 21, featured 12 times for the Bulls last season in a successful spell and has also been loaned by the Headingley club to Hunslet, Featherstone Rovers and Leigh Centurions over the past four seasons.

He will be with Bradford until the end of the campaign.