BOSS James Ford has backed his York City Knights troops to "maintain standards" this weekend as they face a completely different type of test to last week.

Having made national newspaper columns for their efforts against star-studded Super League side Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup, the Knights tomorrow host currently the worst team in professional rugby league, West Wales Raiders (3pm).

Ford has rested a few veterans but still fields a strong squad and, while he insists his focus is on "getting the little things right" to win the game, he will surely hope his side can also boost their points-for tally, given they currently lie behind League One's top two Doncaster and Bradford Bulls only on points-difference.

"We've not spoken about that (points-difference) in terms of the game, or the outcome or scoreline," he said. "We just want to make sure we hit our standards.

"We respect the competition and we respect West Wales. We know we're answerable to ourselves and if we don't hit our standards or targets we will be very disappointed.

"I've got a group who buy into that and I'm sure we will see another good performance this weekend."

Asked if this match was about racking up the tries, Ford said: "That would be a ridiculous mindset. We're focusing on the small things that contribute to us winning the game. If we do that, the scoreboard will look after itself."

He added: "We've got a strong squad. I've rotated a little bit and given some more experienced players a rest - a well-deserved rest - and that gives some of the younger players a chance to showcase their ability and highlight how well they've improved."