YORK City Knights have defended the decision to bring forward the forthcoming Powergen Challenge Cup tie at St Helens to a Friday night, saying it was on the advice of the host club.

The switch will make it more difficult for many York fans to get to Knowsley Road for an 8pm kick-off on Friday, May 6, compared to the Sunday afternoon, and several supporters have called for a rethink.

However, the Super League giants, who play all their home games on Fridays, reckoned that playing the tie on a Sunday could reduce the attendance by up to 40 per cent given that the whole match-day experience in St Helens is geared to Friday nights.

Knights majority shareholder John Guildford said: "We recognise it will be difficult for some York fans to get across the M62 on a Friday night, and it also makes things harder for our players who will have to get time off from their own jobs.

"But we decided to go along with the advice from St Helens, who are one of the biggest clubs in the game.

"It was a joint decision in the end but we went along with their recommendation and we hope it's the right decision. Hopefully a big Knights army will still be able to get there and have a good night out."

A statement from the club said: "The Knights have agreed to Saints' request to play the game on Friday night. This will maximise the attendance, which will benefit both clubs as well as providing a great atmosphere for both teams. Also, by moving it away from the live televised games (on Saturday and Sunday afternoon), it will ensure the widest possible media coverage. We hope our supporters understand and support our decision."

Some fans have criticised the decision but Gary Hall, a Supporters Club committee member, remained pragmatic.

"It's going to be a bit of a pain for anybody working that day, and the M62 is a nightmare on a Friday night," he reasoned.

"But the gates are probably much higher for Saints on a Friday night than on a Sunday and I imagine the number we'd take over there on a Sunday compared to a Friday wouldn't make up the difference.

"The Supporters' Club will make arrangements to get there no matter what time they play and I suppose if people want to go and can go they will make the effort to get there. It will still be a good night out."

Tickets for the tie will be on sale from tomorrow.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, April 07, 2005