YORK City Knights head coach James Ford felt that the one-match ban received by Connor Robinson for this weekend’s clash with Bradford Bulls was justified.

Robinson was shown a straight red card for punching in the dying stages of York’s 6-4 defeat to Bradford in their final pre-season game at the Tetley’s Stadium less than a fortnight ago.

The half-back featured in the Knights' 22-10 season-opening defeat against Toulouse, kicking one of two goal attempts before having to leave the field with a knee injury.

He will miss the first home against of the season this Sunday against Bradford at Bootham Crescent after being handed a Grade 'B' charge by the RFL.

“I think it’s about right,” said Ford of the sanction.

“Obviously, I looked at the incident and I agree with the grading.

“I’m pleased that we’ve only got a one-match suspension.

“It could have been worse.

“It’s out of character for Connor, he hasn’t done anything like that (previously) when I’ve been here as coach.

“I’m sure that he’ll learn from it.

“But it’s done and dusted now, we’re not going to keep bringing it up and going over it because there is far worse things that have happened in sport.

“The disciplinary (panel) have set their stall out.”

Elsewhere at the Knights, Ford offered updates on three of the club’s trialists, two of which featured during last month’s three pre-season matches against Halifax, Featherstone and Bradford.

“Josh Parker has gone back to York Acorn,” added Ford.

“He came to us with a knee injury, so he’s still going to come to us and we’re still going to help him with his rehab.

“When he’s fully fit, we’ll have another look at Josh.

“In the 30 minutes that he trained, he did look quite good to be honest.

“We’re still speaking to (York Acorn half-back) Lewis Brown and we’ll see what comes back from Lewis.

“We’ve spoken to Harry Bardle’s agent and we’re still waiting to see what they come back with.”