York expect tough test as Eagles pursue legal complaint

YORK CITY KNIGHTS are ready to secure promotion the hard way.

Dave Woods's side get a second chance to reach the Championship One Grand Final when they host Blackpool Panthers tomorrow, seven days after missing out following a thrilling 41-32 loss at Oldham.

The after-effects of that lung-busting performance could leave them jaded for the sudden-death contest but York are positive they will recover in time to meet Oldham again in next Sunday's showpiece at Warrington.

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"We're certainly confident about the game," said player-assistant coach Chris Thorman, the former Huddersfield Giants captain. "We were confident going into the game against Oldham and I can't put my finger on what went wrong on the day.

"We had our strongest 17 available on the field but it just didn't go our way. We missed the chance to grab a place at the final but if that's how we have to go about getting there then that's what we'll do."

Blackpool would have finished above York in the table if not for a 10-point deduction for a salary cap breach but the tie is finely balanced and home advantage could prove crucial.

"We've played Blackpool twice this season and we've shared the spoils," said Thorman, the hosts proving victorious each time. "Hopefully home advantage will go our way again against them.

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"It's important that we don't rely too heavily on that though; we still need to take to the pitch and put the performance in."

If Blackpool do succeed, they will fancy their chances of securing promotion and joining Hunslet in the upper tier; Oldham have played in the last three finals – and lost them all.

Sheffield Eagles are taking legal advice before deciding whether to sue their former player Sam Barlow and Halifax after he helped bring their season to an end.

Barlow scored a try in Halifax's 42-16 victory over the Eagles in the Championship final eliminator on Thursday despite Sheffield's insistence he had signed an agreement not to play against them in 2010 following his release in July.

Sheffield chairman Ian Swire is considering suing Barlow and Halifax.

"If we don't do this, it will be open season on any contract anybody signs," he said.