TEAM spirit is the key to promotion from National Conference Two according to York Acorn captain Lee Frank.

A revived attitude with great numbers at training has seen a shift in the team which has been reflected on the pitch with a consistency of form and a realistic shout at promotion.

Acorn are currently third in the table, level on points with second-placed Ince Rose Bridge with a game in hand, and are in prime position for an assault on the two promotion spots as the second half of the season starts.

Franks believes the key to the story so far has been the good attitude of his colleagues at training.

He said: "People have been coming down training and working together down to the last man.

"It all points to Dave (Kay) and the other coaches really. There didn't use to be many at training but now there's always a lot and I think that has made a big difference.

"We've got a few young lads that have been in the team for quite a while who have really come of age this season and we have also been able to build up a number of back-to-back successes, which have both helped get us this far."

Coach Dave Kay agreed: "We've been getting good numbers at training and it makes a great difference.

"Having the numbers gives myself and the other coaches the tools to work with and we work on things like set-pieces.

"If you've only got six or seven players then you can't do anything like that. But if you have got the players, who really are the tools to work with, you can really make a difference."

With just over half of the season gone, attention has already been turned to escaping division two, and Franks is confident that if things can carry on in the same vein it is a definite possibility.

He said: "Promotion is our aim and the way we will get there will be to keep training and working together and by sticking to our game plan."

Updated: 10:31 Tuesday, January 11, 2005