York City Knights blamed a poor second half for Monday's defeat by National League Two leaders Doncaster.

The Knights had a 12-point lead in the first half, only to lose 25-14.

Knights assistant coach James Ratcliffe told BBC Radio York: "We're really disappointed with what we've come up with in the second half.

"The players are as disappointed as anyone. We've shown a lot of enthusiasm and attitude within the camp to get our first win and we'll bounce back."

He added: "We'll go over to Swinton and hope to start where we left off last week."

Ratcliffe admitted Doncaster's stand-off Kyle Briggs did most of the damage against them.

Adam Sullivan's going to be a real asset to us Knights assistant coach James Ratcliffe

"He's a talented player, a talented young man. If you're going to let a player like that play, he will play and we gave him a licence to in the second half. He was very hard to get to regards his kicking game because he sat so deep."

Meanwhile, the Knights former player Adam Sullivan was introduced to the crowd before the Doncaster game having rejoined the club after a stint in France.

Ratcliffe said: "Obviously I've only seen Adam on DVDs from last season but the vibes that are coming fro the players and the staff who were here last year are that he's going to be a real asset to us and just give us a bit more punch in the forwards."

The Knights still hope to sign Castleford Tigers' player, Tom Habernecht on loan before next week's game at Swinton.

"He's a guy who we saw playing last week in the game for Dwain Chambers, " said Ratcliffe.

"He's a big strong lad, plays in the second row or centre. It's going to offer us competition for places and that's what we want. If it does come through that will be fantastic. Its another option for us going in to next week."