Knights forward David March was man of the match at Blackpool

York City Knights secured their first win of the 2008 season with a comprehensive 50-10 win away to Blackpool Panthers on Saturday.

For the first time this season the Knights were able to field a near full-strength side.

Assistant coach James Ratcliffe told BBC Radio York: "It's been a good day for us. We've prepared really well.

"It's shown on the field with the result we've all been waiting so long for as a club."

The Knights welcomed back Rob Spicer from injury while Ryan Esders and player coach Paul March returned to the side after suspension.

Both Spicer and Esders were used in the centres for the first time and Ratcliffe said that made a big difference to the team.

It's shown the players a bit of belief. If they buy in to what we're trying to achieve the results will follow Assistant coach James Ratcliffe

"We've been having to use both Rob and Ryan in the back row due to injuries.

"It's offered us a couple of footballers outside who can play a bit of football as well so attacking wise it gave us options on the flanks.

"Danny Ekis is to come back in there as well and a couple more that we're looking at bringing in in the next two weeks.

"It's been pleasing to actually see what we can do when we've got near enough our full squad out there.

"It's shown the players a bit of belief. If they buy into what we're trying to achieve the results will follow."

The Knights next game is a tough test against National League Two leaders Doncaster and Ratcliffe wants the players to build on the performance against Blackpool.

"The team spirit has been fine all the way through. To get a result, it gives us belief to go in to Doncaster.

"We've given ourselves a result to work off the back of, and we'll be training Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday this week in the build up to Doncaster."