Heworth have been dealt a blow with the confirmation that star man Steve Barnard has retired from the game.

The 30-year-old loose-forward, who represented Yorkshire last season, has left to concentrate on running his business.

Heworth player-coach Brendan Carlyle said: "He's decided that he has to go with that.

"It's shame for us, it's a blow, but it's one of those things that we're going to have to get over."

In better news for the Villagers, five key first-teamers are set to return to action on Saturday as Carlyle's men seek their first Arriva Trains Conference division two victory of the season, at home to Normanton Knights.

Jason Kane, who has been out with a long-term groin injury, Nigel Wilson, Mark Watkinson, Chris Hammerton and Wayne Foster should all return to bolster the ranks.

Carlyle, himself out long-term with a snapped Achilles tendon, said: "It's nice to have them back, to have a problem to pick the side.

"We only went with 16 players last week (the heavy defeat at Mayfield) and we were struggling, but there are more back now and we hope to have a stronger team again next week.

"Things are looking better for the future if we can stay free from more injuries.

"With the side we'll have out, we'll have a good chance of getting off the mark, but Normanton drew last week with East Hull, who were one of the favourites, and will be on a high while we are on a bit of a low, getting well beaten last week.

"Hopefully, with these players back we will have more stability in the side."

York Acorn visit new territory on Saturday when they meet Ince Rosebridge in Arriva Trains Conference division two.

Bridge, the North West Counties League champions, were expected to be promotion contenders in their first season in the Conference but have so far gleaned just one point from their two games.

However, the Blue and Golds, who have had a week's rest after their winning start to the campaign ended in an unlucky defeat a fortnight ago, would be foolish to write them off.

Updated: 09:09 Thursday, September 11, 2003