Adam Howard has been handed a one-match ban following his sending-off in York City Knights’ Northern Rail Cup game against over Gateshead last Sunday.

The big prop opted to take an early guilty plea for the grade ‘B’ offence of kicking out in the last minute of his side’s victory.

The disciplinary panel gave him the suspension yesterday, and it effectively rules him out of Sunday’s Co-operative Championship opener against Dewsbury Rams.

He would only be an outsider to be selected for that match but the ban also means he cannot play in Thursday night’s Reserve Championship opener against Halifax at Huntington Stadium (8pm).

Players cannot play for reserves if serving a ban, and suspensions only count for second-team matches if there is no first-team match in the same week.

The Knights, having decided to restart their second team only last month, are inviting applications for the role of reserves coach for the 2012 season. Interested candidates should hold a current UKCC coaching qualification (level two or above).

The job advert states: “A successful candidate will need to be enthusiastic, committed, hard working and be a good communicator.

“He/she should also be willing to undertake a continued professional development programme.”

To apply, send a cover letter and CV to Ian Wilson, general manager, Roland Court, Huntington Road, York, YO32 9PW, or email ian@ycknights.co.uk

The deadline for applications is Monday, March 12.

Meanwhile, the Knights’ penultimate league match of the season at Batley Bulldogs on Sunday, August 19 has been brought forward an hour and will now kick off at 2pm.