YORK City Knights boss Paul Broadbent says he doesn't mind who the Knights face in the play-offs - as his side can beat anybody in the competition.

The Knights 'showed pride in the shirt' on Friday night to beat Hunslet 32-16 at Huntington Stadium in a feisty final match of the regular season and guarantee fourth spot in the National League Two table and home advantage in the first knockout round.

They will now entertain either the Hawks again or Barrow Raiders in the first play-off tie next weekend, over both of whom they have done the double.

"I don't think it matters who we get," said Broadbent.

"The guys have shown through the season that we can beat everybody in the competition and we know we can beat whoever we play.

"I've no problems with whoever we get - let's get it on and see what the guys can do."

Broadbent was full of praise for his side after last night's bruising encounter, but warned the victory would have no bearing on next week's knockout showdown, even if they end up facing Hunslet again.

"Every game is on its own merits," he said.

"What we've done last night won't help us win next week. We've got a home tie because we showed the will to win last night, but next Sunday is a different day and a different game."

He added: "There was a lot of desire out there last night. Their guys showed commitment but I thought our guys were outstanding. They were proud to wear that shirt and go out there and do the business.

"They were 100 per cent committed. They rolled their sleeves up and did what we wanted.

"Prior to half-time we lost our composure and started getting affected by outside influences, niggling and high shots, but because of their commitment and desire they settled themselves down and came up with the result.

"Overall they've got us into the play-offs. They've played some real quality stuff after a sloppy start to the league campaign.

"In the last few weeks we've started to step it up and I feel we can give any team a run for their money."

Broadbent had special praise for Stuart Godfrey, the 24-year-old amateur who scored a fine late try to cap a wonderful debut after coming off the bench early in the first half in place of rib injury victim Leigh Deakin.

"He went well especially as we put him on in difficult circumstances," said the boss.

"He's not a winger really but it's a credit to him to say he will go out there and do what he can. He took his try well and made another long-range break as well. You can't fault the kid.

"He's usually a six or 13. He's been training with us for a while and I'm really pleased for him as he's waited patiently and he's got his chance He's not had a chance up to now and he took it really well."

Broadbent also had words of support for winger Rob Kama, who was sent off after just 11 minutes for alleged stamping.

"It was an instinctive reaction," said Broadbent.

"He's not that sort of guy. It was one of those sort of reactions. Their guy had been holding him and he kicked out. We'll have to see the video.

"He's disappointed as he's let the guys down but I don't see it that way. He's been great for us and hopefully he will remain so for the rest of the season."

Updated: 10:46 Saturday, September 06, 2003