Haven player-coach Carl Forster was left to reflect on a defeat which saw York City Knights become League One champions.

Forster, who announced that he was leaving the club at the end of the current season, couldn't raise his team-mates for one final game as their brave bid for a play-off spot ended.

Haven went down 32-14 to York who were crowned champions and gained promotion to the Championship next season.

After the game, Forster said: "The last two years have undoubtedly been the hardest time since I have been involved in rugby league as it has been difficult from day one right up to now.

"We have never had enough players and never really engaged with the amateur teams when the deadlines were around. And to go a full season with only 19 players is just phenomenal.

"There have also been a few of us awaiting operations for the best part of three or four months now and we just started off in the wrong way which again speaks volumes for the type of group we have had this season.

“Obviously, the money problems have been well-publicised.

"But not one player asked to leave which again speaks volumes, and I could not be any more prouder of what we have done to miss out by only one place for the play-offs at the finish."

“It could so easily have gone differently," he added.

“We lost a few games that we should not have lost this year but we also won a few we perhaps should not have, so it is swings and roundabouts over 27 games.

“The penalty count today was ridiculous.

“Don’t get me wrong. York were the better team and deserved their day in the sunshine, although we had expected so much more of an experienced referee in Jack Smith.

“I did not think we were given a fair crack of the whip.

“He officiated the ruck very differently on both sides and when you are in the middle of it, and I am involved in both sides, it gets a little bit frustrating.

“But whoever you had put in the middle today, York would have had their day, so fair play to them as they have been the best team and thoroughly deserve their success.

“However I could not have asked for any more from my team today or over the last 12 months and I hope my own position will be resolved within the next few days.”