YORK Acorn's home form will be crucial to their promotion aspirations in Arriva Trains Conference division two, according to assistant-coach Paul Lumby.

The Blue and Golds face Eastmoor Dragons at Thanet Road on Saturday aiming to bounce back following last week's hiding at Ince Rosebridge, with Lumby saying it could be a crucial game in their season.

"This match and the one next week are very crucial to us," he said. "We've got to pick up as many points as possible away from home but our home record has to be near perfect."

Lumby said the team needed to improve their defence after last week's 58-22 loss.

"Ince Rosebridge are a good side and we were beaten by a better team but we contributed to the scoreline, particularly through missing one-on-one tackles, and these are the areas that have given us more cause for concern.

"We scored 22 points at a ground where most teams will struggle to score so our attack looks good but our defence needs to be a lot better. Ince Rosebridge have given us a good yardstick and that's the kind of standard we need to set ourselves."

Centre Andy Lee is out but the available Steven Irving could be a straight swap, while forwards Dave Norman and Carl Stannard are back after playing last week for Teesside Steelers in the inaugural National League Three Grand Final, which the Steelers lost against Warrington Woolston Rovers.

Former York Wasps forward Darren Crake is also in contention following his honeymoon, while three-quarter Shaun Gilmour could also return. Carl Rollinson is back at the club after two years out while Martin McTigue has also returned to bolster the squad.

Lumby was happy the squad was growing. "There are quite a few players aiming for places," he said.

"No player has a right to a first team shirt and players will be picked on merit. Competition for places is what we've always wanted."

Heworth have a tough task to get on the scoreboard in division two as they visit East Hull.

The Villagers, yet to claim a point after four straight defeats this season, will be clear underdogs against a side tipped by many to be promotion contenders this term in their first season in the league.

The Humbersiders had drawn two and lost one of their three opening games but got their first win last week at Eastmoor and will be eager to add to their tally.

New Earswick All Blacks will want to bounce back quickly from their Tetley's Yorkshire Cup defeat to Redhill last week and continue their winning start to the Yorkshire League senior division season as they entertain Dewsbury Celtic in a top-of-the-table clash.

Celtic head the division on points difference from Hunslet Old Boys and All Blacks, with all three teams having two wins from two.

The clash should provide a good pointer for All Blacks in their bid for back-to-back promotions.

York Acorn 'A', 70-6 victors in their opening game against Bailiff Bridge Panthers last week, will aim to maintain that form away to Bank Top Harriers in Pennine League division five.

Their squad could be strengthened by the fallout from the first team plus players coming back.

Selby Warriors also won their first game in PN division five, albeit by only a single point, and they will be looking for a more comprehensive victory on Saturday as they visit the hapless Panthers.

York Groves, also with an opening day win in PL division five behind them, travel to Thornton, the team beaten by Selby last week, expecting another tough encounter. Their promising attacking display in defeat to Castleford Panthers in the Yorkshire Cup last week should be a boost.

Heworth 'A' entertain Cas Panthers 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 11:45 Thursday, September 18, 2003