Saturday's York 9s triumph will lift the York City Knights senior academy when they take on Halifax tonight at Huntington Stadium (7.30pm).

Several members of the Fairfax Cup-winning squad will be back in action against Halifax Under-21s in a preview of Sunday's National League One relegation showdown between their respective first teams.

It could be a cagey affair with the first team match looming large according to development coach Jason Ramshaw, but he is confident that the core academy members of the 9s squad Liam Watling, Tom Dunmore and Jack and Joe Stearman will be on a high.

He said: "I don't know if Halifax are planning on bringing a strong squad they might save some of their cards for Sunday.

"But the boys that were involved in the York 9s will have been boosted by that win and will be keen to win again."

Fitness doubts on a number of York players have left the academy coaches waiting until later today to announce their squad.

Halifax, though, are bringing a side enriched by recuperating first teamers including a first run-out in months for experienced second-rower Dave Larder.

Coach Martin Hall has assured the 30-year-old a first start in months following ankle surgery.