Losing the habit

If the former, then omens would argue that York City Knights will win at Batley tomorrow (hurrah). If the latter, then the Knights are on course to setting an unwanted club record (boo hiss).

You see, never before since the inception of the club in 2002 have the team lost five games on the bounce.

They stand on that threshold again today for only the third time in the club's history, and the only time during Mick Cook's reign as head coach.

The first time was right at the beginning of the club's existence. Their only victory in their first six games under Paul Broadbent in 2003 came against amateurs Skirlaugh in the Challenge Cup, after which a run of four defeats ended with a 32-12 win at Sheffield Eagles in the Arriva Trains Cup.

Then, as many of you will remember, Richard Agar's class of 2004 lost their Northern Rail Cup semi-final at Hull Kingston Rovers to begin a string of four losses, all away from home.

In fact, those three National League Two defeats at Workington, Hunslet and Sheffield ultimately scuppered their chances of gaining the sole automatic promotion spot that year. To this day, that July horribilis is the only month in which the Knights have lost every game, though that disappointing deed will be matched tomorrow if Cook's men lose.

All those omens would suggest that the Knights as a club have never yet fallen into the trap of allowing losing to become a real habit.

Of course, never before have they played at this National League One level, and the standard of the opposition does make a difference. (For example, there are a few sides in NL2 against whom teams of a certain calibre, like York, can almost bank on victory whereas in NL1 there are not.) That said, however, the Knights have always ended their previous runs of four defeats against comparatively quality teams. In 2003, they beat Sheffield, who went on to top the NL2 table, and in 2004 they bounced back against Barrow, who also went on to win the title.

That would suggest the club, no matter who wears the shirt, has an ability, perhaps a habit, of lifting themselves out of a poor run even in difficult circumstances.

Let's hope that trend continues tomorrow then the cup will definitely be filling up.

AS boss Mick Cook outlined in The Press this week, the fans can play their part in inspiring the players tomorrow. Therefore, get there in numbers and make some noise.

There were still a few places available on the Supporters' Club buses at the time of going to press.

The coach will leave Huntington Stadium at 12.45pm and stop at the usual pick-up points through town. The final cost depends on numbers but the maximum is expected to be in the region of £6.

To reserve a seat, call on 07958 569266 leaving names and membership details.