JAMES FORD blamed an error-strewn first hour after watching his York City Knights side crash 32-14 at Newcastle Thunder.

The result lifted the Tynesiders up to second in Kingstone Press League One and left the Knights off the pace, and likely to drop out of the top five by the end of this weekend.

Ford’s men had taken an early lead through April Player of the Month Josh Tonks but individual errors thereafter kept giving Newcastle field position and they scored four first-half tries for a 24-4 lead.

York won the second half through tries by Lee Waterman and Liam Cunningham but the game was lost.

Said head coach Ford: “We could not seem to get into the game in the first half.

“There was a period in the second half which was pretty good when we got some momentum. The York City Knights that I know had turned up, but it was too little too late.”

He added of the first period: “We did not help ourselves with errors and a couple of penalties at key times.

“In terms of errors, if you’re going to play an expansive brand of rugby league, you’re going to have errors and your completion rate won’t be up there with teams who play a less expansive way.

“But we made errors with really basic rugby league, with poor execution of pass or timing, or with kick defence.

“We put ourselves under pressure and to be honest we weren’t good enough to deal with it.

“Newcastle were enthusiastic and (their coach) Stanley Gene should be pleased with what they’ve done."

Newcastle were missing several of their overseas stars, including their three Papua New Guinea aces and Kiwi livewire Jordan Meads, plus ex-Knights Benn Hardcastle and Lee Mapals.

Asked if he had expected the hosts to be as good as they were with those men missing, Ford said: “I was not surprised with how good they were.

“It looked like a couple of my blokes were. I would like to think the boys are more professional than that but looking at what I saw in patches, I’ve asked the question and I will let the players come back with answers.

“I would not say anyone was abysmal but collectively we were off in too many areas.”

The attendance of 2,557, meanwhile, which was boosted by neutral fans in the North East for Super League’s Magic Weekend at nearby St James’ Park, was a record for the Tyneside club since their previous incarnation as Gateshead Thunder had their one season in Super League in 1999.