JOE BATCHELOR is desperate for York City Knights to get back to winning ways without delay on Sunday - and reckons the Bootham Crescent crowd can help them do just that.

The Knights slipped off joint-top spot in Betfred League One last time out as they lost 26-18 at Whitehaven.

It was only their second defeat of the league campaign in 11 games, but Batchelor believes it is crucial to bounce straight back when Haven's Cumbrian neighbours, Workington Town, make the trek the other way to North Yorkshire this weekend.

"It's massively important that we respond this week," said the 2017 Player of the Year - whose quality displays over the past 16 months for York have earned him a full-time deal with St Helens as of next season.

"We're all disappointed with how we did last week. We've had a week off to refresh and we're now focussed on getting the result on Sunday and getting back on track.

"Workington will be up there at the end of the season, so it's important not only that we get points but that we take points off them as well."

Town, under head coach Leon Pryce, the former Great Britain star, have shocked league leaders Bradford Bulls already this term and currently sit on the coattails of the title race after three straight wins.

"They've recruited really well and have had some good results - like beating Bradford. It's a massive game," said Batchelor.

"The home support can be hugely important.

"The fans at York have been great, and the crowds keep getting bigger.

"When they make a lot of noise it can make a big difference down at Bootham Crescent."

The Knights were given a full week off by head coach James Ford after that Whitehaven defeat and Batchelor reckons he and the team returned to training this week feeling reinvigorated.

"It's probably refreshed quite a few of us," he reasoned. "Some of us were carrying a few knocks so training was not as intense as it might have been because the numbers were low.

"Personally I'm ready to come in, give everything and make sure I improve on last week."