York City Knights coach James Ratcliffe proclaimed himself satisfied with their 30-26 win at Swinton, given their poor display last week against Hunslet.

He told BBC York: "A win is a win. That's what we needed to give us a bit of momentum coming into the last three games of the season."

Ratcliffe felt the score flattered the hosts, who scored two late tries.

"We've had so many line breaks but not actually got over the line, there were so many last-ditch tackles," he added.

"I thought we were quite clinical in the first half, high completion rates, good finishes, but in the second half it just got a bit scrappy from both sides and went into a penalty-fest.

We're now second in the league. It's up to us to stay there and it's all back in our hands James Ratcliffe

"I'm a bit unhappy with how we finished the game, a lack of application in the last three or four minutes. The players know that and it's good that they acknowledge that.

"I don't think we used our kicking game very well, which this week we highlighted to use, so we need to work on that.

"All in all, I think the most displeasing part of it is the kicking, both from ourselves and not defending their kicks as well."

Swinton put out a big pack but Ratcliffe added: "We've handled their pack very, very well and I think they'd probably admit they came off second best.

"It's not all doom and gloom, we're now second in the league. It's up to us to stay there and it's all back in our hands. We need to work hard now for the next two weeks before London."

Danny Ekis has left the club for Hunslet, while the club are "open to offers" for Wayne McHugh.

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