JAMES Ford says his York City Knights side can't wait to rip into old foes Barrow and give them a taste of their own medicine – despite a virus having swept through the camp.

Ford is aiming to end a long losing record against the Raiders which stretches back nine matches to July 2007 – and a further three years to York's last victory at the Cumbrians' Craven Park ground.

To do so, his team must overcome not only Barrow's uncompromising style but also a virus which has left "three or four" players under the weather. However, Ford insists the squad as a whole cannot wait to get out there.

"It's going to be a really physical encounter against a good side with some outstanding players," said 33-year-old Ford, whose team is the last in League One with a 100 per cent record.

"Put into the mix this virus and York's recent record at Barrow and there's certainly some adversity for us to overcome.

"It will be a test of character, that's for sure, but that's something we've dealt with in the past. We've got great character in the group and I'm looking forward to the challenge and so are my players.

"As good a team as Barrow are, and despite us having players missing, we can't wait to get out there."

The last clash between the sides, the 12-man Raiders' 18-16 win at Elmpark Way in September, is widely thought to be the match which convinced Ford more than ever that he needed more size, grunt and grubbiness in his team – even if the head coach himself denies it.

Ford saw his young men bullied into submission that day, with the Cumbrians' borderline tackles and spoiling tactics – which saw two players sin-binned and Anthony Bate sent off in the first half, even descending into one of the most ignoble scenes witnessed at a York game in years.

Bate walked into the crowd to confront jeering home supporters after his red card, an incident which landed the prop with a six-game ban, now spent.

This year, the Knights' new-look team have made a point of hitting hard, smashing into opponents and winning rucks, albeit within the law.

When asked if that game was a turning point in his time as York boss, Ford said: "Last year as a whole was a learning curve for a very young team and a team which missed pre-season and had to deal with all sorts of rubbish off the field.

"They acquitted themselves really well and I was proud of them. We're a better team now and a better club. We learn from every encounter we play and we'll do the same this year."

Ford added: "That (clash) was last year. They're a different group and we're a different group. But neither team will be holding back.

"Their style of play is different to ours but there's more than one way to play rugby league – if everyone played the same it would be boring. They'll be looking forward to it and we're looking forward to it."

Asked if this game, especially when compared to the last meeting, could potentially define the Knights' class of 2016, Ford said: "It's one of a number of important games. One victory won't make a season, likewise one loss."

Whereas the Knights have yet to lose to League One opposition in eight outings so far this term, the Raiders crashed out of the two cups to Rochdale and Hunslet and, in the league, have since drawn with Newcastle and lost to 12-man Doncaster as well as, in another game marred by cards and scuffles, Rochdale.

Ford said: "I'd say there's more pressure on Barrow than on us as they've lost their last two games. They'll be fired up. In fact, I haven't ever played against a Barrow team who haven't ripped into you. Fair play to them – it makes them a good team."

As reported by The Press, Jordan Crowther has been recalled by Wakefield, so Brad Hey comes in at centre.

Matty Dale, Jack Anderson, Adam Dent and Pat Smith are also added to the remaining 16 that saw off Gloucestershire All Golds in last week's iPro Sport Cup semi-final. Ford would not say which players were doubtful through illness.

Barrow are without creative pair Liam Campbell and Nathan Mossop plus winger Chris Fleming, all long-term crocks, while in changes from last week, Shane Toal comes onto the wing for Lee Haney and Brad Marwood looks set to starts at half-back for Josh Ward.

Boss Paul Crarey has told his team to cut out errors. He said: "You can afford to lose two or three games and still be up there, because teams at the top will beat each other. But we have to start improving."

Barrow (possible): Fieldhouse, S Toal, Hankinson, Litherland, Pitman, Marwood, Dallimore, Dawson, Ashall, Wilkes, Harrison, Bate, Aspinwall. Subs: from Abram, Duerden, Bullock, D Toal, Wiper, Morrow.

Knights: from Turner, Morland, Hey, Craig, Buchanan, A Dent, Presley, Nicklas, P Smith, Carter, Brining, Waller, Spiers, Aldous, Applegarth, Osbourne, Anderson, Mallinder, E Smith, Dale, Emmett.