JAMES FORD believes that York City Knights have “shown what level of team we are” after their 32-6 Betfred Championship win over Widnes Vikings.

York were much-changed from the side which lost heavily at Whitehaven last time out, not only in personnel but also in performance.

The Knights led by 10 points at the end of a well-matched first-half and ran in three further unanswered tries during the second period.

Reacting to some of the criticism received following the defeat in Cumbria, head coach Ford said: “We had to manage our resources wisely last week and prioritise this game. We copped some stick for it and some of it was nonsense.

“We’ve come out and shown what level of team we are when we’re picking an almost full-strength side.

“We’re trying to compete with teams that are a little in front of where we are at the minute. I think the club is going in the right direction.”

Ford was also keen to reflect on the progress made by York over recent years. Back in 2018, the Knights were in League One while Widnes were competing in Super League.

“I thought it was a very, very good performance against a good side,” he said. “At this minute in time, Widnes are a really big club in the Championship.

“For us to turn them over is a really good achievement and for us to turn them over in the manner that we did, I’m so pleased and proud of the players and the effort that they’re putting in as well as the direction that the club is going in.

“If you think back to five or six years ago and where we were, and now we’re putting in a performance like that against Widnes Vikings.

“I’m so proud of the players and proud of the direction that the club is going in.”