Ashton puts faith in youth for Knights clash

Young forward Connor Scott is set for a place in Mark Aston’s Sheffield Eagles squad for Friday’s Kingstone Press Championship clash with York City Knights.

The 19-year-old made two appearances last year and has impressed Aston in training this term.

Now he looks likely to get his opportunity in the Eagles’ first game of 2013 at Bramall Lane.

York coach Gary Thornton is in buoyant mood, despite his side’s 18-14 loss against Halifax last week.

Thornton said: “We would have been good value to win the game. We deserved more than a bonus point.

“We asked for a reaction after the Batley defeat and we certainly got it. Hopefully that will be a marker for the rest of the season.

“We’ll go into Friday’s game a lot more confident, and we know we can compete with teams in the top five.

“Sheffield is a different challenge to Halifax. They play on a very wide pitch, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Sam Scott (pelvis) is likely to miss the match with his old club, while Ed Smith (dead leg) is also doubtful.

However, Jason Golden and James Ford are set to return to the Knights’ match-day squad.