York City Knights beat Rochdale 36-34 but had to survive a comeback having led 24-10 at half-time and saw Chris Thorman leave the field injured.

Knights coach James Ratcliffe told BBC Radio York: "Some of the tries scored were, at the best, amateur.

"In the first-half we were totally in control. We'd worked out what we wanted to do and at 24-10, with more composure the score could've been higher.

"We could have put a really good score on but we've not done that."

Ratcliffe refused to use Thorman's injury on the hour mark, when his side were leading 36-22, as an excuse for what followed.

We'll get it right on performances, eventually, but three points is what's vital at this time James Ratcliffe

"I think we've got enough pivots out there and enough experience for Chris to be able to leave the field," Ratcliffe added. "His quad injury flared up.

"People have got to stand up and be counted, and somebody's got to come up to the play and take his position.

"There might be some issues confidence-wise when Chris goes off, but it's not a reason for coming up with the second-half performance we did.

"We'll get it right on performances, eventually, but three points is what's vital at this time."

But Ratcliffe was positive about the display of Jack Lee, who made his debut for the club while on a six-week loan from Featherstone.

"Lee did an admirable job in all the positions he's played today, he's played in three different ones," Ratcliffe added.

The Knights' next game is on the May Bank Holiday Monday, when they entertain Swinton.

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