YORK City Knights head coach James Ford has warned there is no room for complacency against basement team Rochdale Hornets tomorrow.

With 18 points and nine places between the sides in the Betfred Championship, the Knights would arguably be considered favourites.

On top of that, the last time these sides met, York came away from the reverse fixture at Spotland with a 24-18 victory.

But Ford insists his side cannot afford to sit back.

Asked about the possible 'favourites' tag, he said: "I could see why people would say that, but in this competition, anybody can beat anybody.

"It’s really competitive.

"We need to make sure our concentration is where it needs to be."

Last time out, York suffered a narrow 25-18 defeat to second-placed Toulouse Olympique.

The recent records of Toulouse and Rochdale could scarcely contrast more. Since the Hornets' heretofore only league win, at the start of March, they have picked up no points in 11 games. Toulouse garnered 18 in that time.

On paper, then, this game could be a good opportunity for the Knights to bounce back.

Commenting on this, Ford said: "I’ve not really thought about whether it’s a good game or not to do that.

"In my position, it would be disrespectful to Rochdale to suggest that.

"We need to make sure our preparation is right and our energy is good, and the performance will take care of the outcome."

After the Toulouse match, Ford spoke of ultimately decisive 50-50s which could have gone either way.

Despite the defeat, though, it was a game from which they can take confidence.

"I suppose on one hand, yes," he admitted. "We’ve played Toulouse twice and arguably could have, and maybe should have, beaten them twice.

"We’ll take plenty of confidence from that.

"The nature of the 50-50s is that some go for you and some don’t. We just need to keep going on the path we’re on.

"Look at where we’ve come from in the past few years - that’s clear.

"But if we take our eye off the ball or foot off the gas, teams will go past us.

"Rochdale performed really well last time and we’re wary of the threat they pose.

"Rochdale have got some good individuals. They’re more than capable as a side. We need to make sure our performance is good."

Since that defeat to York - head coach Matt Calland's second game in charge - Rochdale have brought in a few new faces.

Among the recruits are former Bradford Bulls half-back and Scottish international Oscar Thomas and Barla international duo Callum Marriott and Aidy Gleeson. Adam Lawton, a 6ft 7in prop forward, has joined on a month's loan from Super League outfit Salford Red Devils, while Daley Williams has been brought in on loan from Swinton Lions. Also arriving from the top tier comes 21-year-old scrum-half Izaac Farrell, who signs from Huddersfield Giants.

Following on from the 1895 Cup game against Batley Bulldogs and Toulouse, this will be the Knights' third consecutive outing at Bootham Crescent.

"We love playing in York," Ford said. "The field suits how we play and the supporters get behind us incredibly well. The boys love playing in front of our fans.

"Other clubs have commented on how they get behind us. I’m pleased they’re getting recognition and I hope they keep growing in numbers."