YORK City Knights boss Mick Cook has resisted the temptation to change his line-up tonight, despite facing an important Northern Rail Cup clash at Hull KR less than four days later.

The Knights travel to the Shay, Halifax, to take on amateurs Ovenden in a Challenge Cup third round tie (kick off 8pm) which was postponed at the weekend because of snow.

Then on Sunday, Cook's men travel to Craven Park for a group match that could shape their Northern Rail Cup destiny, as they go into the game level on points and points-difference with Sheffield in the battle for the second automatic qualifying slot.

Cook may therefore have chosen to leave certain players out to keep them fresh for the Hull KR encounter, but he is instead keeping the same 17 that were to be on duty on Sunday.

"I don't want to disrupt our preparation too much for tonight," said Cook, who has already warned about the dangers of underrating amateur opposition, as underlined by Workington's shock defeat to Thornhill on Saturday.

He said, however, that tonight's team will probably not be the same line-up that goes to Hull KR, as he weighs up the pros and cons of using fresh legs compared to keeping a settled side given the fact there is little time to prepare specifically for Hull KR.

"We'll probably bring in a couple of fresh players on Sunday," he stated, with half-back Scott Rhodes, prop David Bates and full-back Matt Blaymire pushing for a recall after niggling injuries.

"We haven't got a massive number available what with injuries and things, so we'll have to see how we come out tonight and decide from there."

Ovenden boss Steve Taylor will also keep the same 17 as planned, having decided not to risk rushing back former Keighley and Halifax player Chris Hartley, who has been out with a broken hand, ahead of their "more important promotion game" against Crosfields in National Conference division two on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Taylor said his side had been given "added impetus" by the shock defeat of Workington, York's NL2 promotion rivals last season.

"If Thornhill can turn over a side like that then it gives you heart," he said.

Tonight's winners will travel to Swinton, who beat Sheffield 42-18 last night.

The Supporters' Club buses to tonight's game leave from Huntington Stadium only at 5.15pm. For late bookings, call 07958 569266.

Updated: 10:52 Wednesday, March 15, 2006