IT'S not over yet - but if we lose again we can kiss our promotion chances goodbye.

That was the message from York Acorn ARLC coach Dave Kay as his side go into the most vital period of their National Conference League division two campaign.

The Blue and Golds, who suffered a shock defeat at bottom-club Saddleworth last week, face high-flying rivals on consecutive weekends - Ince Rosebridge this Saturday and Waterhead seven days later - knowing that defeat in either will effectively end their hopes of claiming a top-three place.

"Our three rivals have got to lose a few games now and we've got to win all of ours, but we've got to play all three of them so it's not over yet," said Kay.

"Last week was a big blow but we're aiming to set the record straight, starting by taking two points off Ince Rosebridge."

Acorn have already beaten the Wigan side this term, 23-22 thanks to a late Andy Gargan drop goal. Johhny Waldron scored two tries that day and will be looking to add to his tally after upping it to 31 for the season last week.

Kay added: "If we don't get anything from both these next two games we can kiss promotion goodbye. Mathematically we could still do it if we lost one, but realistically it's unlikely. There are a lot of possibilities that could happen but that all depends on us winning our remaining six matches."

As for last week's 31-8 loss, he said: "It's hard to put your finger on it. We were not complacent and we started off well but they had a lucky break and we went to pieces. A lack of commitment was evident but we're looking at it as a blip on what has been a relatively good run of form and we are still positive."

Kay will have a full strength squad barring long-term absentees Kev Brundrett, Kyle Palmer and Lee McTigue, though Ince are likely to be at full strength too and could visit Thanet Road refreshed after a week off.

Kay added: "A big call has gone out to the players individually to get the pride back after last week."

Neighbours Heworth could do Acorn a favour on Saturday as they visit Waterhead.

The Villagers have won three of their last four games to rise three points above the re-election zone but their mini-revival faces its toughest test yet, against a side who nearly pulled off the shock of the Challenge Cup third round when they lost 22-16 to Sheffield Eagles.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We played well in beating Millom last week so we've got to go there thinking we've got a chance."

Nikki Wilson is a doubt after injuring a leg last week but experienced play-maker Paddy Handley should be back after unavailability.

Sykes added: "They're one of the best teams in the division and must have been excellent against Sheffield, but if we play as we have in the last few weeks we should give a decent account of ourselves."

Updated: 09:45 Thursday, March 17, 2005