York City Knights moved up to fifth in the Betfred Championship after winning 22-10 at Dewsbury Rams. Here are five things we learnt from the Tetley’s Stadium.

1. Improvements still needed for play-offs

York’s latest victory further cements their place inside the top six, with the gap inside the play-offs now widened to 10 points, almost mathematically securing a place in the division’s defining end-of-season matches.

That fact should not mask the deficiencies in the Knights’ display at Dewsbury though.

To have been pushed until the very final minute by a side who looked destined to be playing in League One next season is not the kind of form that successful play-off contenders should be showing.

Such a suggestion is not said to demean the Rams, but this is a side that were beaten 60-6 by fourth-placed Batley Bulldogs last time out and have conceded 776 points from 22 matches, working out at an average of more than 35 per game.

York still have five games left in which to build some form for the play-offs, but this felt like a missed opportunity in which to do so.

2. Gap between York and seventh is remarkable

While many predicted York to make a return to the play-offs this year, very few could have foreseen them having achieved such a feat so easily.

Now 10 points clear inside the top six, the play-offs are almost mathematically secured with five games left to play.

Given the quality of the likes of Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings among others, for the Knights to be so far clear of those sides is a testament to their work this year, although they are no doubt hungry for more success.

3. Dream debut from Ata Hingano

It would not be hyperbolic to suggest that York may not have got over the line in the end were it not for debutant Hingano.

Replacing Liam Harris in the halves, Hingano, to most on-lookers barring the referee (more on that later) scored with his first touch, a dummy through Dewsbury’s line from close range, seconds after coming on.

The Rams did not heed that warning as Hingano again jinxed his way over, this time winning the officials’ decision.

A few minutes later, he again went for the line, only to find a great offload for the supporting Matty Marsh to finish. He should have had another assist for Jacob Ogden later in the half too.

A starting berth against Bradford Bulls on Monday night (7.45pm) surely awaits.

4. Disappointing display from referee James Vella

This column very rarely delves into criticism of referees, given the unwarranted abuse often suffered by match officials.

Plus, for the record, to suggest York struggled to overcome Dewsbury due to refereeing calls would be wide of the mark.

With that said, it would also be wrong not to highlight the no-tries given against Hingano and Ogden who, from the press box’s angle, appeared to have grounded down Dewsbury’s right side.

To be fair to the referee, the touch judge was better placed to make the call but the Knights could feel rightly aggrieved not to have been given those points.

5. Dewsbury doomed for drop

After 13 seasons in the Championship, a return to the third tier now surely awaits Dewsbury.

Still six points adrift of safety, with an inferior points difference to 12th-placed Whitehaven, the Rams need at least three wins from their last five.

Four of those are against top seven opposition though and it would take a minor miracle for safety to be achieved now.