YORK City Knights returned to winning ways in the Betfred Championship thanks to a narrow 26-24 victory at London Broncos.

Here are five things that we learnt from the game.

1. Tight scoreline was not reflective of the full 80 minutes

On paper, York’s win away at London would appear to have been a tough, hard grind from start to finish.

In reality, despite what the scoreline may suggest, the Knights never really looked in any danger of losing in the capital after Will Oakes’ try on just six minutes.

The first half was a supremely dominant first 40 minutes in favour of the visitors, who fashioned two well-worked tries through Oakes and Ronan Michael on the back of some tough defence and forcing London to kick from deep.

Two late tries, the latter seconds before the final hooter, ensured some late nerves but the two points deservedly went to York.

2. York seeking more consistency from start to finish

Having struggled to see out the match in as convincing fashion as shown in the first half will be particularly frustrating to the York coaching staff.

Head coach James Ford pointed towards his side trying too hard to further their lead in the second half and being guilty of overplaying in attack.

Given that the Knights had seemingly so comfortably overpowered London in the battle of the forward packs during the first half, it was a shame therefore that they could not keep up such a tactic in the second.

Credit of course should be paid to London whose interchanges Amir Bourouh, Jordan Williams and Lewis Bienek provided plenty off the bench, but York will be seeking more consistency moving forward this season.

3. The Knights showing improvements away from home

Since the start of this season, it has been clear that York have been keen to move on from the disappointment of their 2021 season.

While still keen to learn from the lessons of last year, understandably, given the vast changes in personnel, there is also a desire not to dwell on the underwhelming campaign.

The 2022 Betfred Championship season remains in an embryonic stage but already the Knights seem to be showing signs of improvement away from home.

York lost more times than they won on their travels last year with an under-strength Widnes Vikings the only side they beat away from North Yorkshire that would finish above them in the table that year.

Hard fought wins at Batley Bulldogs and how London point to progress away from home with arguably an even tougher test, a long trip to Cumbria to face Whitehaven, up next in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

4. Loanee Levi Edwards may not have to wait long for his chance

Following the retirement of Jack Logan, York have moved quickly in the transfer market to bring Leeds Rhinos youngster Levi Edwards in on a season-long loan.

Numbers three and four, James Glover and Jacob Ogden, appear to be the established first-choice centre pair for York but Ford said that Edwards will not be waiting loo long for his Knights debut.

Speaking about the 18-year-old who turned out for Batley last year, Ford said: “Levi came to us on Thursday and he has trained really well.

“We’re pleased to have him because he’s another talented young player that we’re looking forward to working with.

“I don’t see it being long before he gets an opportunity.”

5. London deserving of credit for their second-half display

Taking one look at the way in which this season has started for London, it would be easy to have written them off beforehand.

Five defeats from five matches (now six from six) reflected their struggles since the part-time move over the off-season.

In the first half, they struggled to gain any of forward momentum, constantly losing the battle of the two forward packs and often kicking straight at full-back Matty Marsh.

The second period was a complete contrast, with the individual quality of Dean Parata and Sitiveni Moceidreke shining through.

With such players in their ranks, surely it will not be long before they move well clear of the relegation places.