York City Knights are expecting to get their historic first-ever season off to a roaring start after being handed home matches in both the Buddies National League Cup and in the National Two League.

As reported in the Evening Press last week, the Knights have been drawn against Hull Kingston Rovers at Huntington Stadium on January 19 in the National Cup for what is sure to be a memorable day for the club.

But in a double bonus for the newly-formed outfit, the Knights will welcome Gateshead Thunder to the Huntington Stadium on Good Friday April 18 for the opening League fixture.

The match will certainly have a bit of an edge with York swooping to sign up Rovers' talent Mark Cain and Richie Hayes in the last few weeks.

"To have Hull KR at home as our first game is a bonus," said Knights chief executive Steve Ferres. "But, I know it is an old clich, we can only take one game at a time.

"With a new club we can't really focus any further than that - just look at Arsene Wenger at Arsenal saying his team will go through the season unbeaten then they go and lose three on the trot.

"We've got a home game, and with it being Hull KR we should get a bumper crowd, so we are thrilled.

"To have a home game in the league as well is good. We have now got to work toward the first game, to get the squad fitter and ready."

The squad are already set in some respects with the club unveiling their new kit for the fans to purchase.

And the smart blue shirts are already proving to be a hit with the club having received orders for 60 already.

The shirts will cost £39.95, although members of the Knights can get them for £35, and are available from the club by calling Leanne on (01904) 656105.

Meanwhile utility back Chris Beever the latest player to team up with the York City Knights after agreeing a deal with the club this week.

The former schoolboy international, who can play full-back or on the wing, is well-known to Ferres, having worked together at Huddersfield.

"Chris was at Huddersfield at 16 when I was coach there," said Ferres. "He was a schoolboy international and has lots of promise."

tony.curtis@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 12:33 Tuesday, December 03, 2002