Error-strewn show results in red faces

HORNETS boss Alan Kilshaw says a lot of his team should be “embarrassed” following their defeat to York City Knights in the Challenge Cup.

The Hornets, who sit a division above League One side York, struggled to cope with their oppositions style of play in their 26-20 loss, as they suffered their fifth successive defeat to the Knights in recent seasons.

Kilshaw welcomed Jono Smith back to the side after the second-row had served a suspension, but he couldn’t prevent York from snatching the win at Bootham Crescent.

“We probably didn’t plan on him to play 80 minutes,” said Kilshaw.

“We knew he’d probably have an issue with timings and a couple of wrong decisions with the ball but he’ll improve.

“He’s one of the ones who can come out today and not be embarrassed by the performance.

“Unfortunately I can’t say that for many others.

“There were too many errors with the ball – we need to move on and move on fast.”

The head coach also bemoaned the standard of officiating, after seeing his side concede a high number of penalties in the first half.

“To go in at half time with the penalty count at 7-1, now that rings a few alarm bells for myself,” said Kilshaw.

“Today was just so sloppy, you could see they were laying in the ruck.

“It was very, very disappointing, we’ve been used to a certain level in the Championship and we didn’t get that today.”

Kilshaw also paid credit to the Knights, and are glad to have seen the back of them for this campaign.

“For a league one team to beat a Championship team, it’s a good feat and we congratulate them,” said the head coach.

“They really are a bit of a bogey team for us - at least we don’t play York again this season.”