HEAD coach James Ford says York City Knights have an extra incentive ahead of tomorrow’s season opener - the desire to give fans a much-needed fillip.

Ford admits the priority this year is promotion and to that end the early rounds of cup competitions, which fill the month of March, could be seen by some as warm-up matches for the League One campaign that begins at Easter.

This is especially the case for York after their pre-season preparations were heavily disrupted by the community stadium saga.

But the team travel to London Skolars tomorrow (3pm) for their iPro Sport League One Cup first-round tie with the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy - and repaying the faith of fans left downcast by the off-field turmoil.

Said Ford: “It’s not just the players who have endured a difficult time - the supporters have as well.

“We want to perform well to give them something to cheer and some much-needed positivity.”

He added: “Obviously you need to prioritise certain competitions and for us the priority is the league, but that does not de-value this competition in any way.

“We take all competitions seriously and we’re going to London with the goal of progressing. We want to leave our mark.”

The club have had no training base and kick off term with no home as the stadium saga rumbles on.

Ford said: “People would be naive to think the situation is not going to influence certain aspects of players’ thought processes, but we’ve worked really hard to ensure it hasn’t impacted on our attitude and professionalism in training, which is something we’re really trying to build at the club.

“I’ve been really happy with the players and they’re working hard towards their goals, regardless of the off-field situation.

“It’s been a long pre-season and one that’s been heavily disrupted but they never fail to impress me with how they meet their challenges.

“They are just really looking forward to the campaign. They are excited to get started.”

Tyler Craig, impressive on the wing in the in-house practice match last week, keeps last year’s top-scorer Ben Dent out of the team, while one slight surprise is the inclusion of Jake Joynt at loose-forward, with Colton Roche a doubt with a calf injury and, if fit, to be utilised for impact off the bench.

Pete Aspinall, Nev Morrison, new player/assistant-coach Mark Applegarth, Brad Nicholson and Liam Cunningham all make debuts, and hooker Harry Carter his first-ever start.

The rest of the team were part of the squad that topped Championship One last year.

Ford added: “At this stage your focus is very much on yourself but we expect London to be a stern test.”

Skolars coach Joe Mbu said: “York have had a change of coach and a few changes in players but what I know of York in terms of history and the players that have come through the club is they’ve all been strong.

“Last season they finished top so they’re a threat in every position. We need to make sure we’re at our best.

“This cup is something we want to win and we want to pride ourselves on being the best we can be in every game.”

Skolars: from Faturoti-Edwards, Chapman, Wellings, Sutherland, Anthony, Sykes, Small, Kolasa, Benson, Fairhurst, Cox, Druce, Ellison, Robinson, Williams, Carty, Connick.

Knights (probable): Haynes, Craig, Minikin, Aspinall, Morrison, P Smith, Presley, Applegarth, Carter, Aldous, E Smith, Tonks, Joynt. Subs from: Brining, Nicholson, Cunningham, Roche, Pickles, Richmond.

Referee: Wayne Turley (Leigh).

Kick off: 3pm.