YORK City Knights player-coach Paul Broadbent struggled to conceal his disappointment after his side crashed out of the National League Two play-offs at the first hurdle on Sunday.

The Knights, who had finished fourth in the table to secure a home draw in the first elimination play-off, lost 50-30 to fifth-placed Barrow Raiders at Huntington Stadium, the result ending their first-ever campaign and putting paid to their hopes of securing a dream promotion.

It was a disappointing display by the Knights, but Broadbent had nothing but praise for his injury-ravaged troops.

"It's not how we wanted it to finish," he said. "But it's unfair to judge the guys on that last game. They have all put their bodies on the line week on week for the best part of 12 months. They're all carrying knocks, they've all got pulls and strains.

"Credit to Barrow, they came out and took it to us. I just felt we looked tired. I've got nothing but admiration for every one of the guys we've had in the team. When we've asked questions of them they've always responded but it was not to be."

Broadbent slammed the reaction of some supporters who left long before the final hooter, saying the players deserved a better reception for their efforts over the season.

"I was disappointed to see people leave early," he said. "It's been a long season and we've had quite a lot of highs. To go early when the guys have put their bodies on the line like they have is a bit harsh.

"Everybody is disappointed I know. But myself and the players are more dejected than anyone. They've given 100 per cent commitment to the club and have brought credibility to professional rugby league in the city."

The result means Barrow will now meet Keighley, who knocked out Hunslet yesterday, at Cougar Park next week for the right to play Sheffield or Chorley for a place in the Grand Final.

Broadbent reckoned the Raiders could well go all the way. "I thought we were always in with a chance but at the end of the day Barrow played some real good stuff," he said.

"You've got to hold your hands up when you get beat. I would go as far as to say that this was one of the first times this season that we've been outplayed. They played well across the board, their defence was strong, they carried the ball strongly and had a good kicking game."

Referee Colin Morris came under fire from fans but Broadbent was not critical. "It's not going to make any difference," he said.

"We can look for excuses but Barrow played better as a team and got the rewards."

The Knights also suffered an early blow when Scott Rhodes limped off with a recurrence of the knee injury that had kept him out since July. "We took a bit of a gamble with him," admitted Broadbent.

"He's been feeling alright and he trained alright and we said we would start with him. We thought it would hold up. It's a gamble that's not come off. But the guys have played without him for the past five weeks and come up with some real quality rugby."

He added: "The defeat hurts a lot. It hurts as much as it hurt at the beginning of the season when we were going really badly. Everybody wants success. I would not question anyone's commitment or desire to have success and we will continue to work hard towards that."

Updated: 11:24 Monday, September 15, 2003