MARK APPLEGARTH insisted there is “still everything to play for” after York Knights’ fourth straight loss.
A 28-12 defeat at Wakefield Trinity leaves them in 13th place with two rounds remaining.
They could yet finish as high as ninth or come last, with Bradford Bulls two points behind and their final-round opponents after next Saturday’s trip to Catalans Dragons.
“Firstly congratulations to Wakefield, a quality team, and we’ll wish them all the best in the play-offs,” reflected York boss Applegarth.
“It was a really tight game and we didn’t have the best field position – we only had three (complete) sets in the first half but we certainly turned up defensively.
“We spoke at half-time about showing a little more urgency on the floor and about getting more field position in the second half.
“We had to slow those rucks down so Wakefield couldn’t roll us as easily and I thought we were fair game for the first 60 minutes.
“Then we gave a penalty away, a couple of quick rucks and that’s all a team of that quality need to get their nose in front.
“When it went to two scores in that last 20, I told our team to chance their arm a bit and maybe that’s why we got a bit more loose and sloppy.
“We have to credit Wakefield as we were beaten by the better team on the day.
“They needed that win as much as we did and they hung it a little bit longer than we did and turned their grind into points which is something that we have to do.
“There is still everything to play for and no-one wants that wooden spoon.”