CAPTAIN Rich Hayes has declared York City Knights have everything to look forward to as they head into the second half of the National League season.

The Knights lie sixth in the Division Two table at the turnaround stage of the campaign, after seeing their climb up the rankings, which followed a poor start to the campaign, halted by defeat at Chorley last week.

They occupy the last play-off place - a spot which would afford them the hardest path to the promotion-winning grand final - but remain only three points off second place, and Hayes reckons there is everything to play for.

"We were a bit too sure of ourselves last week and we were punished. A win would have seen us right up there in the league so it was disappointing, but there is still along way to go," he told the Evening Press.

"You don't become a bad team overnight and we've put together some really good performances of late and there is everything to look forward to. We can't let ourselves get down too quickly over one little blip."

The Knights are without a game tomorrow, but the former Hull KR blockbuster -- rated the best prop in the league last season - now can't wait for the rematch with league leaders Keighley Cougars at Huntington Stadium a week tomorrow.

The clash will be the Knights' first home game for six weeks and a big crowd -perhaps the biggest in the division so far this season - is expected.

"In the first half of our last performance against them we were appalling but we won the second half and that is what really kick-started our little run," said Hayes of the Knights' 38-26 defeat at Cougar Park back in May, which preceded a four-match winning sequence.

"All the lads know that we owe this team big style. Sheffield beat them a fortnight ago so they're not invincible, we've got to muscle up and take it to them."

As for the Knights following, he added: "The crowd have been brilliant. You can't fault our supporters, they're really doing us proud.

"We've had a few away games on the trot recently but it's been like playing a home game every game. They are a credit to us.

"I think there will be a big turn-out for the Keighley game. They've got a big following and we've been turning out many fans as well. I hope it will be a big day for us."

Updated: 10:58 Saturday, July 05, 2003