JAMES FORD has said that he saw “clear and obvious lessons that we need to learn from” in York City Knights’ 32-10 defeat to Castleford Tigers.

The Betfred Super League giants ran out as convincing winners at the LNER Community Stadium, although York could leave with their heads held high at a strong second-half display.

The final pre-season friendly of the year served as timely preparation for York ahead of the start of the Betfred Championship season later this month, with Ford able to take plenty from it.

“First and foremost, congratulations to Cas,” said the York head coach. “I thought they were the better team and deserved to win the contest.

“I thought they had some individuals who ran a little bit harder than we did and won the ruck and got themselves on the front foot.

“Both teams created stress in the defensive line and when they did, they executed their skill a little bit better than we did.

“We’ll learn some lessons from that, in terms of the ruck speed and the ruck control and we’ll fine tune our skill.

“There’s lots to be pleased about but there are some clear and obvious lessons that we need to learn from to make sure that we’re capable of beating the top sides in our division.

“We’ll aim up at being better against Featherstone on Monday the 31st.”

Having conceded five tries without reply at the break, York went on to win the second half thanks to Will Oakes and Matty Marsh scores.

Ford added of the second period: “I thought there were periods of the game where we certainly matched them physically and, when we moved the ball, we probably looked physically more cohesive and threatening than we have done for a long time.

“Cas are a good Super League side and it’s hard for any side to break them down. But I thought throughout the game we did when we had the ball.

“There was a period in the first half when we didn’t have the ball and that takes energy out of you.

“But apart from that, I thought we asked good questions, had good shape and Jamie (Ellis) and Liam (Harris) did what I thought they would do (at half-back).

“And I’m sure that there will be more to come.”