YORK City Knights coach James Ford was a happy man as his side won 24-16 at Barrow Raiders to stay second in the Betfred Championship.

A run of seven league matches unbeaten has kept the Knights firmly in the play-off frame with four games remaining, with their next assignment a trip to leaders Toronto Wolfpack on Saturday.

Ford said: “I’m really pleased to get a win. It’s never easy coming to Barrow, especially when they have got so much to play for.

“They are a dangerous side who can cause problems and I’m delighted to get the points and still be second with four games left to go.”

The coach felt his side should have enjoyed a more comfortable victory having led 24-4, admitting that their second half “game management” was “poor”.

“One or two tried to win the game by too big a margin and that gave them the opportunity to come back,” said Ford.

“I thought we were the better side but we gave Barrow an opportunity in the second half and, to be honest, I was a bit worried.”

Matty Marsh scored a first-half hat-trick of tries for the Knights and Ford said: “He’s a good player.

“With his speed and bravery, he will score tries.”

The Knights will now train on Tuesday and Wednesday before heading to Toronto on Friday.