JOHN Kear has warned Bulls fans to strap themselves in for another belter at York tomorrow.

The previous two visits to Bootham Crescent have been settled by last-gasp winners.

And Kear anticipates more of the same in front of another packed-out crowd as his side look to get off the mark in round two of the Championship by avenging last year’s heart-break.

Liam Harris landed a clinching drop-goal for York just moments after Jordan Lilley had hit the post with an effort for the Bulls.

Kear said: “The competitive games we’ve played against York have been absolutely outstanding. They are always very close and I see no reason why this should be any different.

“It would be nice for us to come out on the right side of the ledger after last week – and also after last year when we scored five tries to four over there and still came out losing.

“I’m not bothered if it’s by one point or 10 as long as we can get the win this time.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last two games I’ve played there; one with that Joe Keyes penalty after the hooter and then the drop-goal loss last year.

“It didn’t feel great at the time but looking back you realise what a cracking encounter that had been as well.”

The recent games with York have also produced some fireworks off the pitch.

Kear accused the home side of gamesmanship in last July’s defeat and bending the concussion rules to get another substitute on.

And Knights coach James Ford got a touchline ban at Odsal after some verbal confrontations with the Bulls fans.

Kear added: “It shows you care and I certainly do. If me caring makes it feisty, then good.

“I think it will be another big occasion with a 4,000-plus crowd, which in a ground like that will make it fantastic.

“I’m really pleased that it’s one of the last competitive games at Bootham Crescent and we can wave goodbye to it before they move to the new stadium.

“We obviously have to play well to justify such an occasion.

“We talk about stadiums and size of the field but ultimately what determines how difficult it is are the blokes in the opposition colours.

“York have got a good team wherever we play them.”

Prop James Green will provide a familiar face in the York pack after his winter move from the Bulls.

The rangy front-row played 29 times for the club after joining from Castleford midway through the 2018 season.

“I thought York had a good squad last year,” said Kear. “Benny Cockayne and Graham Horne were pivotal figures and they’ve lost them but they have also recruited very well.

“Danny Washbrook and James Green will obviously add to them and I really rate Tim Spiers as one of the best middles in the competition. You’re always going to be very competitive when you’re building a side around people like him.

“But all 17 of ours can feel they had a good day at work last week and we need similar again.”