York City Knights assistant coach James Ratcliffe praised the players despite their 28-12 defeat to Rochdale in the National League Two play-offs.

Although the result brings their season to an end, Ratcliffe told BBC Radio York he was proud of their efforts.

"It's a team that's grown all season and we've just said to the guys there's a lot of football in there and there's a lot of future in there," he said.

"We're looking forward to getting back in and starting again next year."

Ratcliffe said the players had given him and coach Paul March everything they had asked for.

"I spoke to the guys at half time and said 'if you can all come in here and say you have all given 100% in the second half we can't ask for any more'," said Ratcliffe.

"Everyone of them has given 100% in the second half. What we have lacked is sometimes a little bit of experience, sometimes a little bit of nous and a bit of composure in the right areas of the park."

They've come up with a performance which is worthy of a young team Knights assistant coach James Ratcliffe

However, Ratcliffe said the squad had done their best to put that to one side in their preparation for the play-off match.

"Tuesday night came round and we put it to the players and it got put to bed and it's not been spoken about since," he added.

"Tom Haberecht's mentioned it in the dressing room today and he's mentioned how gutted Paul and Dave are and Andy Bailey for not being out there and the lads have stood up.

"They've come up with a performance which is worthy of a young team and there's some pretty disappointed people as you can imagine.

"We didn't want to go out in that fashion. We wanted to go either to Keighley next week or Workington at home next week.

"But we just weren't good enough on the night, and credit to Rochdale, I thought they defended very, very well in the second half."