York City Knights boss James Ford declared Workington Town to be a "real threat" as the League One play-off campaign looms.

Ford's table toppers narrowly escaped defeat at Derwent Park on Sunday after a bruising encounter that finished 18-14 to the visitors.

But he had nothing but praise for the tough Town side and admitted he did not envy any side coming to west Cumbria in the play-offs.

"I wouldn't want to come up here in the play-offs," he said. "The crowd were great, they got behind Workington. There was some real banter flying about.

"And Workington are a genuine threat."

Ford went over to the Town huddle at the end of the game and complimented the players on their effort and commitment, with the result in doubt until the final whistle.

"First and foremost I love rugby league and I have a lot of respect for how committed Workington were and how hard they worked and how much they have improved," said Ford.

"Obviously, last year when we played them, we were significantly better than them and at the start of the year we were better than them.

"But this time, the game was alive in the last play so they have improved tremendously.

"I wanted them to know that I thought that and that they should be proud of their efforts.

"They've got a big finish to the season and I'll say now they are a genuine threat."

In the end, there was not much to choose between the sides, just a couple of breakaway tries providing the edge for York to win the clash.

And Ford acknowledged just how close his side had come to succumbing to the Workington threat, as Bradford did in the previous clash.

"I have to congratulate both teams, it was a real gutsy performance from both sets of players, lots of really committed play," he added.

"They all worked really hard and the game was still alive in the last play of the match.

"What got us through the game was our togetherness, solidarity and desire to defend back to back sets."

And he admitted that the two crucial tries, both scored after York reacted to loose kicks, were key.

"In the conditions, we spoke about reacting to errors better," said Ford.

"Both sides are going to make errors when it is as greasy as that and I think that was the probably the difference between the sides, our willingness and awareness to react to errors.

"Reacting to the loose balls and also getting back and saving one when it was kicked through."

He also called on the Workington crowd to continue to get behind their team after the game on Sunday attracted more than 1,600 to the terraces.

"There is a good relationship between the two clubs," he added. "The social media in the week leading up was great, plenty of fun in there and it worked with a 1,600 crowd. The Cumbrian locals really got behind Workington.

"I know I've said it before but the game was alive in the last set and I hope that they turn up for the next game and get behind them."

Town still have three final games where they need to pick up the points to ensure they remain in a play-off berth.

This Saturday they travel to Newcastle Thunder, before hosting London Skolars and then travelling to Doncaster for the final game of the ordinary league season.