JAMES FORD has implored fans to put the off-field rankling to one side and give his York City Knights troops the backing they deserve as they bid to beat Newcastle Thunder and reach the semi-finals of the iPro Sport Cup.

The Knights' chances have been hampered by the crisis caused by the community stadium saga, which has left the club homeless and forced them to switch this tie to York RUFC's modest Clifton Park home (3pm), which, despite not meeting ground criteria, has been given special dispensation by the Rugby Football League to stage it.

Furthermore, while it has also seen some fans slate City of York Council for their handling of the stadium project, others have called for under-fire chairman John Guildford - who has been sidelined from stadium talks by the council - to step down amid a takeover bid by York City's owners. There have also been rumours of a demonstration tomorrow.

However, Ford, finding positives from the turmoil, reckons the Clifton Park pitch will suit his team's expansive style of play, and has urged fans to turn up in numbers and get behind his boys as they bid to cause what most bookies reckon would be an upset.

"Clifton Park is a nice field and a fast track and it will suit how we want to play," said the rookie head coach, whose side's two games so far have been victories on the road.

"There was talk of switching the game to Newcastle but I would certainly rather play it in York, in our city, than give Newcastle home advantage.

"The players are looking forward to performing in front of our spectators and demonstrating their desire to work hard and play well for this city and for the people of this city, defending aggressively and attacking with flair.

"The club is in difficult times. In adversity you need to stick together. The players are pulling together and the club need supporting and for this city to get behind the players.

"Newcastle are going to come here looking to turn us over, so, regardless of where the game is played, we need the fans behind us.

"The level of support from the sidelines can heavily influence standards of performance.

"I implore people of York to get down and see how good this team is and will be."