JAMES FORD says York City Knights have long been aware of the threat posed by Swinton - even before their stunning win in Toulouse last week.

The Lions became only the second team this season to turn over the high-flying French outfit on their own turf, when they won 20-18.

They remain 10th in the Championship table whereas the Knights sit pretty in the play-off places, but Ford, like he did prior to the reverse fixture at Bootham Crescent in early April, was quick to sing their praises ahead of tomorrow's rematch at Heywood Road.

"In the build-up to Swinton before I spoke about how good they were and how they attack. They cause you a lot of problems with their shape and willingness to attack from anywhere," he explained.

"They have slightly different start points to other teams and they flip more numbers round on one side than you'd usually expect. They're a really good side to watch.

"You certainly get a headache when you're planning your detail in defence, because they can create chances and post points.

"We'll have to be nine or 10 out of 10 otherwise it will be a tough day."

Asked if last week's result in France would have opened eyes of buoyant York supporters, Ford - whose own team enjoyed a 60-0 romp against Rochdale - said: "I'm sure it did but the performance group at this club know Swinton are really good.

"I spent a full week talking them up last time and we won by 10 points at home.

"That's evidence enough they're a good side and now they've gone away and beaten Toulouse. They were good against (runaway league leaders) Toronto too - they caused them problems."

York's previous away game against Swinton ended in agony as they lost in golden-point extra time at the end of an epic League One play-off semi-final in 2015.

That took place at the nomadic Lions' former Park Lane base, after which they moved house to share Sale FC's ground.

The Lions have consolidated in the Championship since then but have twice been turned over by Ford's men - in a Challenge Cup tie last year which was switched from Bootham Crescent to Featherstone, and 30-20 in this year's league fixture.

Ford said: "What I said before that game still stands. They're a very attractive team with a lot of creativity and variation and their shifts will test our defence.

"We'll have to control the ball and put them in positions we want them to start sets in. We'll need to be very good and get our attention to detail right defensively.

"As we saw in their game against Toulouse, if we don't do that, Swinton can beat anybody in this division."

Asked of the Lions' main threats, Ford reasoned: "I'd say it's the variation they've got on big side shifts. They're very creative.

"The halves play into the line well and (Matty) Ashton the full-back is a threat. He returns the ball well and links up with his wingers well on kick returns.

"He's a good kid as well - he's tough and will be a handful alongside the variation they've got."

He added: "Their fans make a fair bit of noise but I know the York fans will go there and get behind us. It will be a good day."

* YORK City Knights Ladies host the RAF Ladies tomorrow in their Women's Challenge Shield quarter-final.

This is the plate competition for the Women's Challenge Cup, with York having been knocked out of the main comp in the last round by Leeds Rhinos while the RAF team lost to Bradford Bulls.

The game at Haxby Road kicks off at noon.