HEWORTH face fellow strugglers Eastmoor Dragons on Saturday desperate to get some points on the Arriva Trains Conference division two board.

The Villagers, with just one win from nine games, remain second bottom in the table and last week saw the gap to third-bottom Eastmoor grow after the Dragons won their derby against Normanton.

And with their own derby against York Acorn coming up next week, Brendan Carlyle's men want to boost confidence.

However, Saturday's game clashes with centre Nathan Witty's wedding, which means four key first-teamers will not be available - goal-kicking stand-off Carl Potter, former York City Knights amateur Sam Clarke and fellow forward Simon Harrison, plus Witty himself.

Coach Carlyle was hopeful he would have Kenny Embleton, John Pinder and Joe Murphy back, Embleton and Pinder after broken hands and Murphy after a groin strain. Carlyle was also considering bringing in teenager Matt Derry now he has turned 17.

"This is hopefully a chance for us to get some points but we're struggling a bit with the side," explained Carlyle, whose plans have been hit by injuries this season.

"The four who are out are big players for us but there are a few coming back so we hope to do well. I thought Eastmoor would be one of the top teams this year but they've seemed to struggle, though I know they've had injuries like us.

"Normanton aren't a bad side so it was a good win for them last week but it was a derby for them and league positions go out of the window for those games - like it will for us next week."

York Acorn could jump three places up to fifth in the table if they achieve their first away win this term and other results go their way.

However, their trip to Normanton has been made much harder with Lee Frank, vice-captain Mick Hagan and regular try-scorer Johnny Waldron all ruled out, taking the first-team injury list into double figures.

Player-coach Dave Kay said: "We're asking for another disciplined performance to follow on from the last few weeks. We're hit with more injuries and enforced team changes so it will be a backs-to-the-wall effort from the lads turning out."

Former York Wasps half-back Paddy Handley could return after a rib injury and a bout of 'flu, while prop Paul Dodsworth may also be okay after a similar virus.

Kay added: "It's a big pitch and a lot of points are often scored in the second half as players tire, so we'll be going there hopefully with a strong bench capable of making an impact."

Updated: 09:12 Thursday, October 30, 2003