YORK City Knights packman Scott Fletcher reckons it's just a matter of time before his side break their Arriva Trains Cup duck.

The second-rower, who turned 28 years old earlier this month, said the players let themselves down with a dodgy spell in the 36-22 defeat at Featherstone on Sunday.

But he has now turned his sights to next weekend's home tie against Dewsbury Rams and says that if the Knights can get it together for the full 80 minutes, victory would be on the cards.

"I thought we played really well in the first half (against Featherstone) but in the first 15 minutes of the second half we let ourselves down," he said.

"We said at half-time to not let them get over the top of us but those 15 minutes cost us the game.

"We played well in patches and when we get it together for a full match we will be a really good team. We're a good team as it is but we're letting ourselves down at times.

"We scored some cracking tries towards the end but the damage was already done. Hopefully it will come good next week at home to Dewsbury."

The former Great Britain Amateur skipper said York could have taken something from each of the Arriva Trains Cup matches - against division one sides Hull KR, Doncaster and Featherstone - but instead they had 'beaten themselves'.

"We could have beaten these teams but we need to do the job for the full 80 minutes," he said.

"Mistakes do happen but sometimes we pick the wrong option or make an unforced error and, against teams like Featherstone at their place, you get punished.

"We've got a good set of lads. There are some good young players and some good experience and we're learning all the time.

"It's a case of listening to the coaching staff and getting on the right foot, and we will come good."

Fletcher scored his first try for York at Post Office Road and, although he was disappointed at the defeat, he said that touchdown had pleased him.

"It's always nice to score your first try for your new team," he said. "I enjoyed it, although obviously it was a pity about the loss. It's a case of getting our heads down and putting things right in training."

Updated: 11:35 Tuesday, February 18, 2003