JAMES FORD has reiterated that reaching Wembley is a big goal for York City Knights as they now turn attentions to the 1895 Cup.

The buoyant Knights, in their first season back in the Betfred Championship, are currently flying high in fourth place, level on points with the two teams immediately above them, following their 26-12 victory at Swinton Lions on Sunday.

Next up, though, is a cup quarter-final at home to Batley Bulldogs on Wednesday night (7.30pm) and, while Ford has often stressed the league campaign is the priority - with an against-all-odds play-off place now seemingly possible - he reckons this new knockout competition brings additional stimulation to the season.

The 1895 Cup was brought in this year for Championship and League One clubs, with the final to be played at Wembley on Challenge Cup final day.

Asked about the lure of turning out at the national stadium, Ford said: "We're certainly not looking past Batley Bulldogs. We rate them and they've got some cracking individuals.

"But to take this team to Wembley and give these players the opportunity to play there - whether it's before or after the (Challenge Cup final), I'm not bothered - would be great.

"A player of my ability would not have ever got to play at Wembley. If I can help give these boys an opportunity to do that, we will certainly give it our best."

York booked their place in the last eight by seeing off League One side Newcastle Thunder while Batley enjoyed a 38-18 win over Championship strugglers Rochdale Hornets.

The teams have already met at Bootham Crescent this term, with York, having led 22-10 at half-time, holding on to win 28-24 in the face of a Batley comeback. The Bulldogs won a pre-season meeting at their Mount Pleasant ground 22-18.

Added Ford: "As we saw at Bootham Crescent, if it had gone on five minutes longer, they could have pinched that game off us. We will need to be very good to win that game."

Ford has already intimated he is set to make changes to his line-up given his troops face three games in eight days, with loanees Will Oakes and Tyler Dupree among those in line for recalls.

There are question marks over a number of players, including Matty Marsh, Jack Teanby and Liam Harris, after they took knocks in Sunday's victory.

* YORK City Knights Ladies' Women's Challenge Plate quarter-final tie against the RAF Ladies will be rearranged after being postponed on Sunday.