HEAD coach James Ford was "satisfied and proud" after York City Knights' friendly away to Featherstone Rovers - but indicated the standards being set at the club when outlining his disappointment his team did not win.

Featherstone, who reached the Middle Eights last season after finishing in the top four in the Championship, won 22-12 in the rain at mud at Post Office Road, sealing victory with a try on the final whistle.

But the Knights, of the league below, pushed them all the way in a performance which was a far cry from 12 months ago when Rovers cruised to a 46-4 victory after blowing their visitors away with four tries in the opening 15 minutes.

York did so, too, despite losing both hookers, Andy Ellis and Harry Carter, to head injuries in the first half.

Said Ford: "I was satisfied in many ways but we're striving for really high standards at this club and we're disappointed we could not quite get over the line.

"But it's all in contrast to last year. After the first 20 minutes that day we were 20-odd points down and I thought about getting in my car and driving home."

He added: "That said, this game was there to be won. We've got improvement in us and, with some more clarity in us and when we've got certain things nailed, we will win games like that."

The wintry conditions affected the contest but Ford reckoned the two sides did well to put on a decent game.

"Both teams had set up to try to play with lots of numbers and play an attacking brand of rugby league," he explained. "But you can't always play that way and both teams made a good fist of it.

"For this stage of the year we weren't far off.

"The commitment both teams displayed in those conditions was fantastic. I'm really proud of my team."

The Knights took an early lead but for much of the first period were pinned in their own half, where the surface became considerably muddier.

Said the head coach: "Featherstone's kicking game in the first half was better than ours and they continually put us in that bog in our 20.

"Their line speed was quick and it was hard to get out. Normally we would look to shift on teams but we could not do that because of the conditions and Featherstone adapted to that well.

"Sometimes you're just going to cop it and have to grit your teeth and get through it.

"We also lost both hookers. Stuff like that is going to happen in a league game so it's good to challenge the players that way.

"Connor Robinson kicked the ball really well in the second half. He was renowned for his kicking game at Halifax and that was the best I've seen of it at York. He's a more mature player and manages the game better. In the second half he was excellent. If he plays that way this season I will be pretty happy.

"We've got a culture at York where we never give in and we saw that here, coming to a top-four Championship team in difficult conditions. I'm proud of their solidarity and effort."

Ford, by his own admission, put "some inexperienced middles on for the last 20 minutes", with Featherstone scoring twice in the last 14 to secure victory, after sub Matt Chilton's try had put the Knights back in front just before the hour mark. That was Chilton's third try in three outings while on trial from York Acorn ARLC.

Ford added: "Featherstone are a good team and we had to be pretty good to deal with them.

"A few of my younger boys copped it a bit but that will be good for them. It's a step up from what they're used to so it's good for their development.

"I'm going home disappointed we lost but pretty happy with the performance. I'm happy with their commitment and really proud of their bravery."