CHRIS CLARKSON insists that he has “no doubt” that York City Knights can issue a response to their bruising 38-12 defeat at Whitehaven.

York were convincingly beaten in Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup tie at the Recreation Ground, having trailed 28-0 at half time.

The Knights return to Betfred Championship action this weekend at home to Widnes Vikings and will seeking vast improvements from their poor showing in Cumbria.

“We’ve said that we need to prepare well and recover well,” said captain Clarkson.

“That sounds easy but that’s massively important.

“We’ll train well, as we always train well, but again it’s an attitude thing to turn that around.

“I’ve no doubt that this team can do that.

“It’s a very good bunch and the lads that come in, who don’t necessarily play week-in week-out, are good enough to do a job.

“We’re looking forward to a tough game against Widnes this week.”

While Clarkson praised the work ethic York showed to rally somewhat in the second half, he described particular first-half mistakes as "non-negotiable" moving forward.

“We’ve always got togetherness and we’ve always working hard for each other," said Clarkson.

“That’s what a York team does and Fordy (head coach James Ford) has instilled that in us throughout pre-season.

“We’ll always have that and we’ll always work hard for each other.

“But some individual errors and some smarts - not playing the ball correctly or being offside - that’s a non-negotiable.

“We really need to knock that out of our game if we want to come to places like Whitehaven and win.”

One of the few positives for York was the long-awaited return of forward Joe Porter after his ACL injury.

“It was awesome to see Ports back," said the captain. "Everyone knows how hard he works and he is the epitome of a York player.

“He works his socks off and he has worked his socks off for nine months since he did his knee.

“Seeing him every other day working hard in the gym, I’m very happy and proud to see him make his comeback.”