YORK City Knights boss James Ford is predicting a potential blockbuster at Bootham Crescent tomorrow as former Great Britain star Leon Pryce brings his buoyant Workington Town team to the Minster city.

The Knights are likely to field a much-changed side to that which lost at Whitehaven last time out as they look to bounce back quickly from only a second defeat of the Betfred League One campaign.

Workington, however, arrive on the back of a three-match winning run which has lifted them right back into the promotion picture. They are also the only team to have beaten Bradford Bulls so far this term, and have recently bolstered their ranks with some stellar names.

Ford reckons it has the hallmarks of a "cracking encounter", and one in which the home support can play a full part.

"Workington have put some impressive performances together," he said.

"Leon Pryce looks like an intelligent coach and has got his team shaping up well. They do intelligent stuff in good ball.

"We know we will be tested to our limits. We have a lot of respect for them and we're looking forward to a really good challenge."

The last three league games at Bootham Crescent have seen the Knights rack up a mammoth 300 points, London Skolars and whipping boys West Wales and Hemel Stags all seen off in try-tastic style.

Ford knows full well tomorrow's match will be a totally different test, with the fans treated to a different type of entertainment.

"It will be a real physical battle," he said. "Workington have got a big forward pack and two good half-backs who will test our edges with their creativity.

"They will be up there at the end of the season.

"They've brought in some eye-catching players and an eye-catching name as head coach. They should be right up there challenging.

"It will be a cracking encounter."

On Town's shock 17-16 victory over league leaders Bradford in April, Ford added: "That shows what they're capable of. They beat a side we didn't quite manage to defeat."

He quipped: "Hopefully they'll get to beat them again at some point."

The Knights go into the game second in the table, two points behind the Bulls. Victory would keep them very much in the race for the sole promotion spot. A second successive defeat could drag them into a multi-team battle for the four play-off places.

Ford added: "Playing in front of our home supporters is always a boost. We're a really well-supported League One side and they get behind us immensely - they have done all season.

"Workington will provide a huge test and there will be times when they're on top and we will need to find extra energy from somewhere - and the supporters will be key to getting us through that."