Championship preview: York v Whitehaven (Sun)

York City Knights coach Gary Thornton is aiming to halt a three-match losing streak when his side host Whitehaven on Sunday.

The Knights remain in contention for a Kingstone Press Championship play-off place, but last week’s 20-16 defeat at Dewsbury Rams has not helped their cause.

Thornton said: “We were well in command, but we had a 10-minute period in the second half that really cost us.

“We’re putting pressure on ourselves by not winning games that in my opinion we should win.

“The bonus point was scant consolation – we should have had all three.”

On facing Whitehaven, Thornton said: “Things don’t get any easier and there are no easy games from now on.”

Simon Brown remains suspended while James Ford is also ruled out.

Whitehaven are in sixth place, with last week’s impressive 36-30 win over Batley Bulldogs giving Dave Woods’ squad plenty of confidence.

Woods’ men travel to York without Matty Palmer (ankle), but hooker Chris Smith is back in contention.