YORK City Knights boss James Ford has 'a lot of respect' for South Cumbrian amateurs Askam ahead of their Challenge Cup showdown.

The League One semi-professional outfit head to Fallowfield Park for the third-round tie, where they expect to meet stiff opposition.

The Villagers have already beaten York Acorn and West Hull to reach this stage, and are keen to take a big scalp.

Ford, whose side lost out in the League One opener 22-20 to Bradford Bulls last week, in front of a 4,000-plus crowd at Bootham Crescent, has done his homework on their opponents, and knows just what to expect.

“I had a brief chat with Leigh (York Acorn coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul) about Askam,” said Ford.

“We know they’re a good team. They’ve beaten Acorn – and we have a lot of respect for them – and they’ve beaten West Hull, who play a couple of divisions higher.

“Askam might be National Conference Division Two, but they’re performing as a Premier Division team.

“We will go there full of respect for our opposition, expecting a real tough game. They’re obviously no mugs and they will be looking forward to it.”

The game will be played at Fallowfield Park after some doubt over whether it would have to be switched, possibly to Barrow Raiders' Craven Park home.

But Ford will not be using the venue as an issue or an excuse, with the Knights having played home games at Heworth in 2015 because of off-field issues relating to stadia.

“We can’t say too much about that can we after recent years?” he pointed out. “There are some grounds in League One that leave a little bit to be desired.

“I’m sure there will be some passionate supporters there who are knowledgeable about rugby league, who will want Askam to turn us over. That’s the cup. We’ve been in that position before and we will be again.”

Despite that need for respect, York have left out several players, with six changes to the team beaten by Bradford.

Prop Graeme Horne, signed from Hull KR, picked up a knee injury last week and travels only as 19th man, while winger Ben Cockayne and second-rower Sam Scott are rested.

Aussie Kieren Moss is allowed to play on loan from Hull KR but there are no dual-reg lads from the Robins, with half-back Matty Marsh and centre Will Oakes having played last week.

Half-back Liam Jackson makes his debut after a pre-season trial, as do former Hunslet man Jake Normington, ex-Wakefield youngster Judah Mazive, back-row Mike Kelly and prop Dan Hawksworth.

Ford said it was not a weakened team, and added: “We have a good squad. They have trained really well and this is an opportunity for one or two to give me a nudge and a reminder about how good they are and what they can offer.

“We’re just focusing on us and our standards. We weren’t too far away against Bradford. We’ve had a good look at what we need to do on and off the field. We’re looking for a couple of ‘one percenters’ that we can do better in training or on the field. Now it’s about doing it.”

Ford will come up against a familiar figure in the shape of Askam coach Dave Clark, who was in charge at League One Workington when the sides met on two occasions last term.

He admitted shock at his departure from Derwent Park, and added: “I thought Workington were great with the ball last year. Some of the shifts they engineered were excellent. He’s got half-backs playing into the line, creating numbers and changing tempo. They were really good with the ball.

“I enjoyed previewing Workington. They were a good team to watch and it surprised me he’s moved on.”