YORK Acorn boss Dave Kay has not yet ruled out stealing a promotion place, despite their recent slip-up.

Kay said the Blue and Golds could not afford to drop any more points before they lost to Waterhead a fortnight ago, but after a week off and a reassessment of the situation, he said there was still a chance of finishing in the top three.

"It's become more of an improbability than before but it's not ruled out yet," he said.

"We've got a new list of the remaining fixtures and looking at the other teams and who they have to play, there is still an outside chance for us.

"Eastmoor Dragons (leaders) seem to be dropping a few points, though the chances of catching them are slim. But Ince Rosebridge and Waterhead, with the number of games they still have left, will have to play a lot in midweek and that could have a telling effect on them. They also have to play each other twice and that could open a gap for us.

Kay had to field several Under-18s against Waterhead due to injuries but was so impressed -- not least with man of the match scrum-half Timmy Elliot -- that he may keep the youngsters in the team for Saturday's home match against Normanton (ko 2.30pm).

Captain Lee Frank, Chris Hopcutt and Mike Embleton are out, along with the long-term absentees, but forward Carl Barrow and hooker Mike Fitzsimmons return, the latter for one game before a two-match ban kicks in.

New Earswick All Blacks have the chance to return to the top of Pennine League division two on Saturday as they entertain Silsden Park Rangers while leaders Kippax Welfare are not in action.

It is the first of three successive home games for the All Blacks, who have Elland and Ovenden to follow.

Although skipper Jez Petch and Jamie Rhodes return after injury, skipper Alan Pallister is out after a bout of concussion and New Earswick are down to 18 fit players. To help out in the coming weeks they may delve in to their U17 side whose season has finished.

New division four leaders York Acorn 'A' face lowly Brighouse Rangers 'A', while Heworth 'A' entertain leaders Castleford Lock Lane 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 11:02 Thursday, April 07, 2005