Doncaster inflicted a humiliating 40-24 defeat on the York City Knights to register their first win in 25 games.

The Knights led 18-14 at half-time, but collapsed alarmingly in the second half as key players got injured.

Knights coach James Ratcliffe told BBC Radio York: "We've had to jiggle a few people around but that's no excuse.

"Our display was pretty inept - missed tackles, poor decision-making, and not sticking to the game plan. There's going to be an inquest this week."

The Knights lost stand-off Chris Thorman after 13 minutes, Jordan Ross followed soon afterwards with concussion and prop forward Brett Waller suffered a broken ankle on the hour.

Ratcliffe said: "We're pretty beat-up today. We've a few walking wounded but more wounded pride than anything else.

"There was a lack of self-belief, lack of desire, lack of willingness to work hard, and it's been reflected in the score."

It was Ratcliffe's first game in charge after returning from a two-month ban from the game.

"Maybe I should have stayed away for another couple of weeks," he quipped.

The home game against Gateshead on Good Friday now takes on greater importance, and Ratcliffe says the door is open for second-string players to make their mark.

"People will get their chance and it's up to them to take it.

"Quite a lot of hard work needs to be put in over the next few weeks.

"It's probably one of the most inept performances I've been involved with since I've been here."

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