YORK City Knights will now play Barrow Raiders at Bootham Crescent at 2pm on Sunday after successful talks with City of York Council.

As reported in today's Press, the club had been preparing to switch the Super 8s fixture to Castleford following a fresh row over the use of York City's football ground.

But a joint statement has today been issued by the council and the club, saying:

“City of York Council and York City Football Club are happy to confirm that the Knights fixture for this Sunday can be held at Bootham Crescent for a 2pm kick off.

City of York Council and York City have been working with the RFL to arrange this fixture for some time and although initially a Saturday afternoon kick off appeared acceptable, York City have confirmed they are happy to host this on Sunday 7 August if needed.

“Discussions have been ongoing between all parties, including the Knights, over the weekend and once the position of Barrow was clear on their inability to play on Saturday, arrangements have been put in place for a Sunday afternoon fixture.

“City of York Council and York City Football Club would like to make clear that at no time has a fixture been blocked by either party, confirmation had simply been requested on Barrow’s availability for the Saturday. Many other Rugby League fixtures this season have taken place on Saturdays and indeed a number of the Super 8’s fixtures are still to take place on Saturday afternoons.

“We are now awaiting confirmation from the Knights that the fixture will take place at this time.

“We would like to wish James Ford and his players the very best for the remainder of the season.”