YORK Acorn player-coach Dave Kay reckons the next five weeks will separate the runners and the also-rans in the Arrive Trains Conference honours race.

And he is eager for the Blue and Golds to pick up enough division two points to push them into the promotion reckoning.

Acorn face one of their biggest tests of the season on Saturday as they welcome high-flying Rochdale Mayfield, who, with seven wins from eight, will be the highest-placed team Acorn have faced on their own turf this season. But Kay, whose side have lost only once at home, reckons they can prevail.

"The next five games will tell everybody how they'll stand coming up to Christmas and suggest who is going to be runners this season," he said. "And we're quietly confident we can get something out of all five of these games.

"Mayfield are doing well but our own form is not bad. We had a couple of issues with discipline but that has improved and I'd like to think we could come away with something from this game.

"We were unlucky not to get anything out of last week's game at (unbeaten leaders) Widnes St Marie's, and their coach, Bobbie Goulding, said we were the best team they've played so far."

Prop Lee McTigue begins a four-match ban following his sending off against Castleford Panthers, but back into contention come Stephen Irving, Fran Starkey, Paul Dodsworth, Gary Isles and Paul Day.

Kay lauded the strength in depth in the squad. "That is emphasised by the fact we've used 33 players in our eight league matches," he said.

"You'd hope for a more settled side but every team will go through periods where injuries and work commitments affect you, and the pleasing aspect for us is none of those players have let us down."

Struggling Heworth are hoping a week off will have recharged the batteries in their bid to climb away from the division two basement.

The Villagers lie second bottom with just one win from eight games and they face a difficult trip to Ince Rosebridge. However, the North West Counties League champions have so far disappointed this season and Heworth coach Brendan Carlyle reckons his side can pull off a shock and avenge a 43-6 GMB Union National Cup hammering last year.

"Ince Rosebridge seemed to be a very good team last year, but they seem to have struggled a bit this year and I don't know what the situation is over there," he said.

"They, along with East Hull, were the favourites but are a bit off the pace, though they had a good win last week (30-16 at Normanton). We are looking for a win ourselves to get on track."

The Heworth squad used their free weekend last week for a stag do for player Nathan Witty.

Carlyle added: "We had a good weekend and the best thing about it is you aren't getting knock after knock. The guys with slight niggles had a chance to shake them off."

Carlyle, who himself has been struggling with a cold, is hoping to have Nikki Wilson back in the fray, while York City Knights amateur Dan Briggs is set to start.

Polar Ford-sponsored New Earswick All Blacks face a key game as they look to get back to winning ways in Yorkshire League senior division.

All Blacks' campaign has stalled after a good start but on Saturday they entertain Ossett Trinity, who lie second bottom.

New Earswick coach Simon Baines has a strong squad to pick from, with Mick Harrison, Dave Calam, Phil Turpin and powerhouse forward Pete Johnson all coming back into contention. Jamie Daniels faces a late fitness test on a niggling quad injury, while in-form hooker Alan Pallister is a doubt with a shoulder problem.

Spokesman Mark Tipping said: "The squad have trained well this week and the attitude is very positive going in to what is a must win game for us."

Heworth 'A' have a tough YL division three match at home to second-placed Stanley Rangers 'A'.

Unbeaten York Acorn 'A' will want to record another big when they visit nearby Wetherby Bulldogs in Pennine League division five.

Selby Warriors, whose only defeat this campaign has come against Acorn 'A', will be gunning for a solid success against lowly Bank Top Harriers.

Selby, who have games in hand on their rivals, will be favourites against the Harriers, who have only one win from seven games.

Warriors have been drawn to host Rotherham in the preliminary round of the PL's Shipley Trophy. York Groves, who do not have a match this weekend, have been drawn away to old foes Wyke, with both cup games scheduled for Saturday, November 1.

Updated: 09:51 Thursday, October 23, 2003