JAMES Ford will play his strongest side as York City Knights try to bag a home game in the Kingstone Press League One play-offs.

The head coach will resist the temptation to rest players against Barrow Raiders at Heworth tomorrow, arguing that he would not want to stain the "integrity" of the competition.

His men, who have battled adversity all season, have already secured a place in the post-season extras but know victory this weekend would almost certainly seal home advantage in a play-off tie against Swinton Lions.

The Knights could still finish second in the table but need Keighley to lose against Hemel and, with Ford feeling that is unlikely, he wants to end the regular season as strongly as possible to breed further confidence.

"Obviously if we beat Barrow we get a home draw and that would be just reward for the playing group and for the supporters," he said.

"There is a lot to play for. We want home advantage, although we will probably play Swinton and, if it is them, we are not fussed whether it is home or away.

"We could finish second, depending on results, but we would need people to slip up and I would be surprised if Keighley didn't win this week.

"For us, this is just another game. It's another two points and it is an opportunity for us. Every time we play we are gaining more experience.

"We are growing as a team and it is another opportunity to improve and take that momentum into the play-offs."

Ford added: "We will play with the strongest side that I have got and play people who deserve to be there. I have picked my strongest team every week this year and everyone who has played and has worn the shirt has done themselves proud.

"It's important (to do that). We are going to get a week off next week anyway and it's important we are strong and make sure that the supporters get value for money. We have to make sure it is fair to all the teams in and around Barrow.

"To play a weakened team that increases Barrow's chances of getting the points, is that fair to North Wales and Rochdale? For the integrity of the competition, we will be going as strong as possible.

"We want to go into the play-offs with some form behind us. There were positive signs against North Wales – there were definitely a few areas to improve – but we want to come at Swinton with some form behind us."

The Knights must face Barrow without winger Nev Morrison, who broke a hand in the North Wales win.

Ford said: "Doctors have advised him it will be six weeks. Nev is a fantastic athlete and we haven't given up hope of seeing him back out there this season. He has had a great season but it is an opportunity for Adam Dent.

"Every time he has stepped in he has been really reliable and he is a really good player."

Victory over Barrow would cap a week that has seen Ford nominated as the Kingstone Press League One coach of the year and Greg Minikin put up for young player honours.

But the Knights did not have any representatives in the senior player category and the coach feels some of his squad may use that snub to prove a point against Raiders.

He explained: "I think we have a couple of players a bit unlucky not to get a nomination. If I was one of those senior players who has had such a fantastic season, it would spur me on a little bit and make sure I finish the season really positively and make people take notice."

For Barrow, coach Paul Crarey is also looking for his men – still technically in the play-off hunt but needing to beat York and Rochdale to lose to London Skolars tonight – to finish off in positive fashion.

"We have come into form in recent weeks and the improvements made by this young team is there for everyone to see – but we will have to be at our very best to cause an upset at York," he said.

"York have already made the play-offs, so there is no pressure on them. For ourselves, the Rochdale v London game will maybe have decided our fate – but for us it was all about our progression over the season and building for next season. We need to finish the season off strongly."

Knights (from): Howden, Adam Dent, Minikin, Moreland, Ben Dent, Pat Smith, Presley, Applegarth, Brining, Learmouth, Ed Smith, Tonks, Aldous, Carter, Mallinder, Nicholson, Blagborough, Hay, Craig.