David March defied injury to turn out for the Knights against Oldham

York City Knights earned a welcome bonus point as they lost 36-26 at League Two promotion favourites Oldham.

Assistant coach James Ratcliffe was pleased to achieve Sunday's result with a team which had been depleted by injuries picked up over Easter.

"We asked them to go for a bonus point and it's actually rewarding losing as such, but we'll take it," he said.

"We spoke about starting and finishing strongly in both halves and we have done that."

Ratcliffe added: "We've probably come up with a 65 minute performance today."

By Thursday we roll him out on a wheelbarrow and get him playing on a Sunday James Ratcliffe on injured player David March

The Knights might have caused an upset if they had played with more composure and had a little luck.

One of Oldham's tries followed what appeared to be a knock-on, and York's Lee Maples had a try disallowed which Ratcliffe thought was "perfectly good."

They now have two weeks to prepare for a home game against Workington, and for players to recover from injury.

Several players, including coach Paul March and his brother David, turned out for the game despite not being fully fit.

"David has been playing with a pulled hamstring for the last three weeks.

"He's been coming in Tuesdays and not been able to walk. He goes on the treatment table, by Thursday we roll him out on a wheelbarrow and get him playing on a Sunday.