HEAD coach James Ford doesn't think what happened last year will play a part on proceedings tomorrow as his York City Knights team renew their fierce rivalry with Bulls.

The two teams were neck and neck throughout the League One title race before Ford's men took the crown by two points after a memorable run-in, with the former World Club Champions following them up to the Championship via the play-offs.

Both of last season's league meetings were also thrillers that went down to last-gasp kicks at goal - Bradford winning at Bootham Crescent with a Joe Keyes penalty on the hooter and York triumphing at Odsal as Dane Chisholm missed a late conversion which would have tied the scores.

But while both coaches are predicting another humdinger, Ford says 2018 is now in the past.

"I can't comment on how it will impact on Bradford," he replied when asked if the outcome in the corresponding fixture last July could affect either team's mindsets this time.

"I'm not sure it'll impact on us. We know we can perform well home or away - we have done consistently for a couple of years.

"Last year has gone - 2018 concluded with us as champions and Bradford also going up. 2019 is what's important now. We don't start the game with any advantage on the scoreboard because of what happened last year.

"It starts 0-0 and the team that has prepared the best, performs the best and is willing to work the hardest will come out with the win this weekend."

Both teams have also opened this season with two wins from three. Asked if he expected another classic contest, Ford said: "100 per cent.

"Bradford are a really good side. They've tweaked how they attack this year and they ask a lot more questions with the ball.

"York v Bradford games have been fantastic and I can see another happening this weekend. I'm really excited about how we've trained this week. There are lots of positive signs. With how we've prepared I can see this being another fantastic spectacle."

Ford, meanwhile, reckons the rivalry forged between the two clubs last year has benefited the game in York and the profile of the Knights as a whole.

He explained: "I think Bradford Bulls bring a lot of positives to any league they're in. The away support they take to every game will have benefited every club in League One and that's also the case in the Championship.

"They've got a status and they bring a presence to any competition.

"It's good that we got to be Bradford's main rivals (last year) and I do think it helped (the Knights' growing profile).

"There's a lot of mutual respect between the clubs, certainly from the coaches and the players. We enjoy playing against them and that's because they're a real stern challenge."

A number of York fans have said this week they cannot afford to go to tomorrow's game because of the higher admission prices charged by the Bulls.

Asked if he nevertheless hoped for a big and noisy away following like in the corresponding fixture last year, Ford said: "Yes I do.

"We value the support a lot. They get behind the players brilliantly and it helps the team find extra energy.

"I do see their point. It is expensive for a game of rugby league. My old headmaster at primary school is a Bulls fan and I can picture his face having to stump up £25 to watch the game.

"On the flip side, Bradford bring a hefty away support wherever they go and that will benefit every other club.

"There are two sides of the argument and I do appreciate both sides."