YORK will try to get back to winning ways in Durham and Northumberland One on Saturday when they travel to Hartlepool.

Following the Clifton Park side's 22-7 reverse to league leaders Percy Park last time out, the Hartlepool clash becomes a must-win game if York are to start bridging a five point gap at the top of the table.

With games against Consett, Northern and second placed Durham City looming, victory at the league's basement club will be a priority.

But, having failed to pick up as much as a point all season, Hartlepool should provide little difficulty for captain Andy Kay and his men.

With York tied on points with Durham City, but in third place because of an inferior points difference, every match is now crucial as they look to secure at least second place and ensure a promotion play-off at the end of the season.

For York, Nick Ventress comes back into the first XV. Centre Shaun Bass is missing, and York will hope winger Rob Kama maintains his recent try-scoring form.

Pocklington welcome in the New Year in Yorkshire Two with a home tie at Percy Road against bottom side Scarborough.

It should be a straightforward victory for Pocklington, who have only lost three games all season, against a team which has only won twice in all - although Scarborough's results have improved in recent weeks.

In fact, when the two teams last met in November, Pock had some difficulty subduing the Seasiders before securing a 22-10 win.

Pocklington kept in tune over the holiday period with a deserved 15-6 win at Goole. Club sources say the side played some expansive rugby, despite a gale force wind.

Two penalties gave Goole a 6-0 lead before Pocklington's will to run the ball paid dividends with tries from prop Glenn O'Hara from a rolling maul, scrum half Sam Rees and wing Tom Nixon.

For tomorrow's match, Pocklington skipper Matt Atkinson moves forward into the second row to cover the absence of Mark Biggin, and flanker Scott Littlefair is back after being away over Christmas and New Year.

Karl Hart keeps his place in the squad after impressing at Goole.

Updated: 11:28 Friday, January 07, 2005