"HE gets spotted up every week but I've no idea why because he just keeps folding blokes!"

So said York City Knights head coach James Ford in praise of Harry Carter following the 24-year-old's remarkable defensive efforts in Sunday's momentous victory at Workington Town.

The diminutive 82kg hooker was regularly charged at by Town's big forwards - not least former NRL cult hero Fuifui Moimoi, the 6ft 130kg Tongan man mountain - yet he repeatedly held his own to help the Knights notch an 18-14 victory which kept them top of Betfred League One.

“You could pick anybody for their defensive efforts – but I have got to mention Harry Carter," said Ford when reflecting not only on this encounter but on Carter's efforts all season.

“You know, coming out of the line at Fuifui Moimoi!

“The laws of physics says that (match-up) is impossible but I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

“I don’t know how he manages to do it but he did. He’s a brave little kid. He gets spotted up every week but I’ve no idea why because he just keeps folding blokes.”

Ford was also quick to laud skipper Tim Spears, The Press' man of the match on Sunday in only his second outing since the stunning win at title rivals Bradford Bulls in July.

The veteran former Featherstone skipper played the full 80 minutes in the engine room during the Derwent Park battle.

Said Ford: “The plan was to bring Tim off after half an hour - his first game back was against Hunslet (two weeks ago) and he hasn’t played a lot over the past month or so.

“But he didn’t want to come off the field and he wanted to keep working hard for the boys.

“His character is... impressive.”