NEWCOMER Chris Spurr has already seen enough in the York City Knights ranks to reckon they can beat the odds and win promotion from League One this year - assuming the off-field situation allows it.

James Ford's troops play their final home match of the season tonight when Spurr's former club, Doncaster, visit for their rearranged Super 8s clash - the game that was postponed at the height of the off-field trouble which saw the Knights threatened with closure.

There remains a chance it could be the club's last home game completely, with still no guarantees in place about next season.

But Spurr, who came in as Ford's number two only last month, reckons the players can put those concerns to one side, overcome the off-field adversity and still secure success.

"What's going on away from the rugby could yet dictate whether promotion is possible, but we're capable of beating anyone in the play-offs," he said, referring to the fact the club might yet close, while even if a new one opens they would have to start in League One again.

"The spirit is good. What goes on off the field goes on off the field. It might affect players a bit but once they're at training they get into training and don't think about it. Same with match-days.

"They're a good set of lads. Most of them are still pretty young. I've been really impressed with how they apply themselves, especially in defence, with their enthusiasm, attitude and spirit."

The Knights, in fourth, are guaranteed a play-off berth while Doncaster are virtually assured of at least fifth place too, barring massive defeats in their last two games. These two teams will meet either Barrow or Rochdale in the play-off semi-finals, assuming leaders Toulouse don't slip up.

Spurr said: "We won at Rochdale and weren't far off against Barrow so there's no reason why we can't win the play-offs.

"Regarding league placings (tonight), there's not much to play for. Both teams are in the semi-finals and both aren't sure where they'll go.

"But we want to win the game and keep momentum going into the play-offs.

"And with Gary Thornton (Dons boss) being ex-York, he will want to get one over on York, so there's a lot to play for still.

"There are a number of ex-Doncaster players at York and everyone will want to put a good performance in."

The Knights will have four ex-Dons in their ranks tonight in Danny Nicklas, Mike Emmett, Russ Spiers and Brett Waller, but another who starred the last time the two teams met, Rich Wilkinson, is no longer involved.

Additionally sidelined tonight, as expected, are Austin Buchanan and Mark Applegarth due to injury in Sunday's win over London Skolars, plus the unavailable Micky Learmonth. Andy Smith, Ben Dent and Brad Hey come in, while Pat Smith may also be recalled.

Donny, also with a long injury list, will likewise have a few ex-Knights involved in addition to Thornton in full-back Tom Carr, half-back Jordan Howden and veteran prop Mark Castle.

Spurr himself played for both clubs while his last coaching role was as number two to Thornton's predecessor Paul Cooke.

"I had five years at Doncaster as player and coach and enjoyed it," he said.

"It was the back end of my career but I played some of my better rugby there, and I also made my first step into coaching.

"It became a bit of a struggle towards the end but we parted on good terms and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the lads again - and to getting one over on them."

Now in his third week back in the Minster city, he added: "I enjoyed my playing time here and it's good to be back.

"I've had a 12-month break pretty much after leaving Doncaster and it's been good to recharge batteries.

"I've known James a long time and I'm enjoying being around the lads again and in the environment.

"When I coached at Doncaster, Paul Cooke was still playing so there was pressure on me in a head coach role on match-days. Here I'm enjoying having an input on game day and in training without that pressure."

Knights: from Haynes, Saxton, Craig, E Smith, B Dent, Presley, Nicklas, A Smith, Brining, Aldous, Tonks, Westerman, Emmett, Carter, Spiers, Waller, Hey, Anderson, P Smith.

Doncaster: Carr, Sheriff, Doherty, Foggin-Johnston, Jones-Bishop, Howden, Hedges, Scott, Kesik, Castle, Nicholson, Walton, Milton, Aizue, Paleaaesina, Wright, Braham, Cross, Welham.