Heworth will have to "grit their teeth and get on with it" on Saturday as they face a mighty task in the GMB Union National Cup.

That was the view of club spokesman Ken Sykes ahead of the National Conference division two strugglers' visit to premier division outfit Thatto Heath.

The Villagers crashed out of the Powergen Challenge Cup at the first hurdle last week, losing to Loughborough University, and need a major turnaround in form to avoid a similar knockout blow this weekend.

Said Sykes: "It's a very difficult trip. It will be a big tester for us. We could do without it really as league games are more important."

The Merseysiders are at the foot of the top tier but are big favourites to progress, especially as Heworth are again struggling on the staffing front. Carl Potter should return but hooker Jon Jewitt is now a big doubt with a hamstring injury and is set to join the long list on the sidelines, leaving boss Alfie Hill to again plunder the 'A' team, who have no match scheduled.

Sykes said: "Although they (Thatto Heath) are struggling a bit they're in the premier division and they're not getting beat by much. It will be tough for whoever is on the bus. We can just hope for the best, put up a good show and try to get it out of the way."

The two teams last met in this competition in the 1987 final, Thatto Heath winning 15-8.

Sykes added: "I played that day and they just pipped us. I think that was the last time we played them. They've always been a good side and a great club. They have lost quite a few players this year with a few turning professional and they're rebuilding but they'll still be strong."

York Acorn, knocked out in the first round, are not in action, meaning the club can concentrate on their vital 'A' team game against Wyke.

The Blue and Golds reserves top Pennine League division four and on Saturday entertain the team lying in second place, level on points but having played two games more (ko 2pm).

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, January 20, 2005