BRADFORD Bulls face their first competitive away day of the season on Sunday, and it is a tasty one, against their newest rivals York City Knights.

There was no real history to speak of between the two Yorkshire clubs until 2018, when Bulls suffered the ignominy of relegation to League One.

Many expected them to walk the league, and after beating York at Bootham Crescent on the opening day, everything seemed to be going to plan.

But two shock defeats to Workington Town and a below-par effort in losing the reverse fixture to York saw the Knights finish as champions, and Bulls have to endure the stress of the play-offs to gain promotion.

York showed no signs of being overawed in the second tier last season either, finishing in a hugely impressive third place, before losing their play-off semi-final to Featherstone Rovers.

Their matches with Bulls have proven tightly-contested over the last two years, and fiery too, with a mere friendly between the pair two weeks ago abandoned late on after a brawl.

Bradford fans would like to see an edge to this away game too, but will at least hope the game lasts for the full 80 minutes this time.

For anyone making the short trip up to North Yorkshire tomorrow, here is all you need to know:

VENUE

Bootham Crescent. The game was due to be played at the new LNER Community Stadium but due to delays in its opening, the famous old ground looks set to stage one last game between the Knights and the Bulls.

ADDRESS

59 Bootham Crescent, Clifton, York YO30 7AJ

COACH TRAVEL

Coaches will depart Odsal Stadium at 12:30pm on Sunday, February 9.You can book your spot for just £12 by clicking here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/owl-lane/odsal-stadium/away-coach-travel-york-city-knights-vs-bradford-bulls/2020-02-09/12:30/

PARKING

There is no on-site parking available at Bootham Crescent and street parking is extremely limited. The nearest car parks to the stadium are:

  • Marygate Car Park, Frederic Street, York, YO30 7DT

This is located around 800 yards from Bootham Crescent.

  • Bootham Row Car Park, Bootham Row, York, YO30 7BP

This is located on Bootham Row and is around 800 yards from Bootham Crescent.

  • Union Terrace Car Park Clarence Street, York, YO31 7ES

Opposite York St John’s University and is around 800 yards from Bootham Crescent.

TICKETS

Standing:

Adults (£17)

Concession [Student/Disabled/Military/Over 65+] (£12)

Junior [Under-16] (FREE)

PLEASE NOTE: You can now only pay on the gate at Bootham Crescent on Sunday for these, except for Adult Standing tickets, which are still available in store (the Bradford Bulls Team Shop).

Seating:

Adults (£17)

Concession [Student/Disabled/Military/Over 65+] (£12)

Junior [Under-16] (FREE)

Carer (FREE)

PLEASE NOTE: You can now only pay on the gate at Bootham Crescent on Sunday for these, except for Junior Seated tickets, which are still available in store.

Of the ones still available online (Adult Standing and Junior Seating), you can get your tickets by going to: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bootham-crescent/bootham-crescent/betfred-championship-round-2-york-city-knights-vs-bradford-bulls/2020-02-09/15:00/

Alternatively, call the club on 0333 323 5075 or visit the Team Shop.

Seating/Standing:

There is unreserved seating in the Main Stand and Popular Site – with a covered terrace in the David Longhurst Stand.

TRAVEL

By Car: From the M62, exit at Junction 29 using the left two lanes heading onto the M1 (North). Exit the A1 on Junction 44 and continue on to the A64 sign posted York.

Continue for 10 miles and take the exit onto the A1237. Go straight on at four roundabouts. On the fifth roundabout, take a third exit onto Shipton Road/A19.

Continue on the A19 for around two miles and take a left on to Bootham Crescent.

By Train: The main station is York, which is situated in the centre of York, around one mile from the ground and a 20 minute walk. You can get there directly from Bradford Interchange, or via Leeds if you want to change on to a TransPennine service.

Once at York, take a left out of the station and follow the road down over the river.

Just before you get to York Minster take a left past the Theatre Royal.

Take the next left down Bootham.

Continue up Bootham and take a right on Bootham Crescent after the Churchill Hotel

By Bus: The following bus services are available to the ground.

  • Red Line (No. 7)

Designer Outlet – Train station

One mile from the ground

  • Silver Line (No. 9)

Monks Cross – Rougier Street

0.8 miles from the ground

  • Green Line (No. 2)

Rawcliffe Bar – Museum Street

0.5 miles from the ground

  • White Line (No. 3)

Askham Bar – Rougier Street

0.8 miles from the ground

PUBS

Let's be honest. You're spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a pre or post-match drink in York. To save you from being overwhelmed, here is our pick of five watering holes, all within a mile's walk of Bootham Crescent.

The Stone Roses Bar: A staple in York, this place is particularly popular with 90s music fans, hence the name. Plenty of Britpop paraphernalia adorns the wall, and revellers will flock here for pints or a classic can of Red Stripe.

You'll also be welcomed by a couple of pool tables, a jukebox and sporting action on the big screen. What more could you want?

House of Trembling Madness: One thing you won't get from The Stone Roses Bar is a selection of craft beers or lagers.

House of Trembling Madness more than makes up for that. This place has been around, in some form or another, for nearly 850 years, and unsurprisingly offers a nod to history and tradition.

You can either go to the smaller one on Stonegate, situated right by York Minster, which is above a shop selling their products, or to guarantee entrance, go to its much-bigger sister on Lendal by the Museum Gardens.

It houses one of the widest ranges of craft ale in the UK.

Ye Olde Starre Inne: This place is also on Stonegate and is possibly York’s oldest public house.

During the English Civil War, it was used as a hospital and mortuary for the soldiers, so don't be surprised by a glimpse of ghostly shadows of soldiers and a pair of black cats who lived here 300 years ago.

Nothing a pint can't cure though!

Burton Stone Inn: This place is right by the ground and prides itself on a selection of fine wines, malt whiskies, real ales, fresh coffee and tea.

Customers can enjoy a drink while having a game of pool, playing their favourite music on the jukebox, or watching BT Sport.

It also offers accommodation, if you fancy staying overnight.

Old Grey Mare: Like Burton Stone Inn, this watering hole is on Clifton, just minutes from the ground. It offers a space for those fans who prefer a quieter drink to enjoy pre or post-match refreshments, and offers a nice pint of Theakstons.

On top of that, there is a sandwich shop over the road, which sells hot pies for a very reasonable price.