YORK City Knights player-coach Paul Broadbent admitted yesterday's massive win at Gateshead could prove crucial in the final National League Two table.

The Knights hammered Thunder 64-8 to bounce back from last week's defeat to Sheffield and record their third big tally in the last four games, following the 48 points scored against Keighley and 66 against London Skolars.

And, although Broadbent was more satisfied with the two points for a win, he was happy his side put on such a convincing display and reckoned the boost to points difference could be important in the final standings.

The Knights remain sixth in the table, three points off top spot, but now have the second-best points scored and points diference, behind new leaders Sheffield.

"At the end of the day a win's a win," he told the Evening Press.

"But when you're playing teams that are supposed to be of a lower quality it's nice to know you can put together some pretty convincing scorelines.

"At the end of the season, those points could be the difference between getting a home draw in the play-offs or even making the play-offs.

"However, every game is worth two points to us and we can't get too carried away with this. We've got to make sure we're ready to perform next week at home to Barrow."

He added: "In the first half we showed signs of over-eagerness and frustration and weren't on top of our game but in the second half we settled down, improved our completion rate and showed we've got some quality players.

"Most of the guys in the second half made a big effort to be a bit more respectful of possession and it showed in the way we played."

Broadbent was delighted with debutants Carl Hughes, the 20-year-old stand-off signed from Stanley Rangers ARLC, who came off the bench to score a try, and former York Wasps second-row Dave Smith.

"Carl made a pretty big contribution taking the ball forward and causing them trouble," said Broadbent.

"It's hard for guys to step into a team and he's still naive when it comes to calls and knowing our players but he's held his end up competently.

"Dave Smith came in and did a pretty competent job as well.

"He's not played for a while and he needs to improve his match fitness but that will come and we're happy he did a solid job."

Updated: 11:16 Monday, August 04, 2003