STRUGGLING Heworth go in search of their first win of the season on Saturday with boss Brendan Carlyle saying early concentration is the key.

The Villagers are joint-bottom of the Arriva Trains Conference division two after five straight defeats and Carlyle reckons getting off the mark could kick-start a rise up the rankings.

"At this moment in time, getting our first win is important and obviously we're looking for it this week," said Carlyle.

"It was the same old story last week - we went behind early and that made it hard. But against East Hull last week and Normanton before that we won both second halves. All we need to do is concentrate in the first half and be there or thereabouts at half-time. I'm sure that if we do that we will get our first win under our belts."

Second-rows Carl Barrow and Shaun Brough could step up from the reserves, while Nikki Wilson should also be available.

"We've got more players to pick from and hopefully we can strengthen up in the forwards and a have a good crack at them," added Carlyle.

"Huddersfield seem to be on a bit of a high but hopefully we can get our first win."

York Acorn have the task this week of facing East Hull, Heworth's conquerors last week, who were rated before the season as one of the title favourites.

Acorn assistant-coach Paul Lumby said: "It promises to be another very tough game, similar to the one against Eastmoor last week though we'll probably have to play even better.

"The win over Eastmoor was a fantastic result, defensively it was one of our finest displays for a long time. The biggest challenge, though, is to do it week in week out and we will need another momentous defensive effort against East Hull.

"We also have to turn possession into points at vital times, especially in tight games."

Acorn have several injury doubts with stand-off Danny Liddell (hamstring), centre Mick Embleton (dead leg) and forwards Mick Hagan (knee) and Darren Crake (knee) all facing late tests. Packmen Lee McTigue and Robbie Dolan are definitely unavailable, joining Carl Stannard (thumb) on the sidelines.

However, Andy Lee returns and Lumby added: "We've got a strong pool of players in the 'A' team who are chomping at the bit to play."

New Earswick All Blacks will look to bounce back to victory on Saturday after last week's Yorkshire League senior division defeat to leaders Dewsbury Celtic.

All Blacks, who dropped to fourth in the table after seeing their unbeaten start to the campaign end, visit Kippax, who have one win from their three games so far.

However, All Blacks will expect a tough encounter as Kippax gave a good game to Hunslet Old Boys last week, who are level on points with Celtic after three wins from three.

York Groves also look to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday when they entertain West Bowling 'B' in Pennine League division five.

The Terriers were narrowly beaten at second-placed Thornton last week, however they will hope to take two points this weekend as the team they face lost to Wetherby last week, whom Groves had beaten on the first day of the season.

York Acorn 'A', who head the table after two big wins, entertain Victoria Rangers 'A'.

Selby Warriors, who also made it two wins from two with a fine 48-29 victory at Bailiff Bridge last Saturday, have no game this weekend because their scheduled opponents are in Yorkshire Cup action.

Updated: 08:39 Thursday, September 25, 2003