"WE'VE got a plan for those blokes and we're all excited, we can't wait. It should be a fantastic spectacle."

So says York City Knights boss James Ford ahead of tomorrow's do-or-die Kingstone Press League One play-off semi-final away to bookies favourites Swinton Lions (3pm).

The hosts, who leapfrogged York into third in the final table following a 94-6 demolition of stragglers South Wales while the below-par Knights were falling to 12-man Barrow, go into the game as favourites, but Ford has dismissed that tag as irrelevant - while Lions counterpart John Duffy also argues the odds are even.

"It's 1-1 between us this year," said Ford referring to their two previous meetings. "They've got home advantage and are coming off a 90-point victory - though whether that game proves to be good preparation for a semi-final remains to be seen.

"We're just focussed on ourselves and our preparation to make sure we do ourselves justice, no matter whether we're favourites or underdogs.

"Such a tag - who are favourites - just doesn't interest me. It's one-all between us and we're very much looking forward to the game.

"We know what they're about and we know what we're about. Both teams will need to be on the money to progress to the final."

Ford, boosted by prop Colton Roche passing fit after three games out, added: "Swinton have good players all over - Stuart Littler has heaps of experience, Tommy Gallagher is a real handful, Andy Ackers is a good player, Richie Hawkyard at full-back is a good player.

"But we've got good players too haven't we.

"We've got a plan for these blokes and we're all excited, we can't wait.

"The application in training this week has been outstanding. The response to the unload period has been great. The blokes are looking sharp and I'm looking forward to that carrying on through the weekend.

"These are two good teams. It should be a fantastic spectacle."

The two sides, separated by one point in the standings, have been evenly matched for the last few years, with four wins apiece in the last eight meetings - that statistic adding to the idea tomorrow's encounter could be a humdinger.

The teams are also the first and third-highest scorers in the division and rated by many as the most entertaining.

Swinton won 34-24 when they met at Park Lane in May but the Knights had previously won on their last seven visits against the Lions, making it a happy hunting ground. York also won June's return fixture at Elmpark Way 26-16.

Swinton's club website nevertheless states the Lions will start as favourites, having won ten of their last 11 league fixtures, losing only to league winners Oldham since their trip to York.

It also claims "two late tries for the visitors gave the scoreline a flattering look" when the Knights last went to Park Lane and that "much has been made of York’s easier fixture list this season... therefore there can be no doubt that the Lions have earned home advantage" in this tie.

However, head coach Duffy said: "I think York have proved themselves this year. They will go into the game confident. I think it's probably level - I don't think either side are favourites.

"We're playing a tough York side who play expansive rugby league. We've been beaten by them this season and we're going to have to play the best we've played all year."

He also agreed with Ford's previous assertion that the encounter could be a cracker.

"Both teams like to throw the ball about and both teams have good players all over the park and strike players all over the park," he said. "It will be entertaining."