ACORN will be vying to keep the York flag flying in the GMB Union National Cup on Saturday.

But it won't be easy as the Blue and Golds have to travel to Cumbria to face Cumberland League high-riders Kells.

Acorn, of National Conference League division two, were the only team from York and district to reach the second round of the competition, but to get to round three they will need to overcome a team who have been beaten just twice in their highly regarded league this term and were finalists in the Cumbrian Cup.

Acorn spokesman Paul Lumby said: "We were quite pleased with our performance when we overcame Dewsbury Celtic in the last round but we're not daft enough to not realise we need to improve on that for this game.

"They are notoriously good on their own patch and enjoy cup competitions. These type of teams are always keen to take NCL scalps, so their pedigree is well known.

"But they can be beaten and as far as we're concerned we're travelling to win.

"We've been handed a tough away match but if we can win this tie it will give us more confidence and keep our season more alive, and we think we've got enough in our locker to come away with a good victory."

Acorn will be without Steven Irving, who has work commitments, while ever-improving centre Paul Day might also be unavailable as his partner is expecting a baby.

Forwards Dave Norman and Paul Dodsworth both late fitness tests but should come through, while utility player Paul Payne might come into the reckoning following his good 'A' team performance last week after a long-lasting leg injury.

New Earswick All Blacks are also in cup action as they play Crofton in the White Rose Trophy.

The Cougars are mid-table in Yorkshire League division three, while All Blacks are riding high in division one, so the New Earswick side will be favourites.

All Blacks chairman Charles Rollinson said: "Hopefully we won't slip up but there's always a danger with these lower teams."

The York side suffered a few knocks last weekend so will leave it late to see who is available before deciding on a line-up.

Heworth have a crucial promotion tussle as they visit Eastmoor Dragons in NCL division two.

The Dragons enjoyed an excellent win over Cottingham Tigers last weekend to move one point ahead of Heworth in the standings, while the Villagers were losing to Ince Rose Bridge in the National Cup.

Heworth, still just two points off a promotion place despite their stuttering form, will be needing to bounce back strongly from that defeat to get back in the hunt.

Player-coach Brendan Carlyle said: "It's a big game, probably one of the biggest we've got left.

"They are in the promotion race as much as we are and hopefully we will get back on track."

Sam Clarke (shoulder) and Steve Barnard (hamstring) have been struggling but should be fit for the clash, while Gavin Grant, who was knocked out during the match last week, is a doubt.

Selby Warriors will try to get back to winning ways with a home game against Castleford Panthers 'A' in Yorkshire League division two. Players meet 12.30pm.

Player-coach Kev Fellows said: "Training has been well-attended of late and any other players who fancy coming along will be made welcome."

Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8.30pm at Sandhill Lane.

York Acorn 'A' entertain Stanningley Crown in YL division two wanting to bounce back from last week's 26-6 loss at Normanton 'A'.

Forwards Paul Payne and Gary Taylor and centre Alex Cowton had helped Acorn start well in that match, with Payne blasting over for Ben Jones to convert for a 6-4 lead.

However, Normanton exploded into life with two tries before half time and, although Acorn fought well with little luck, having two tries ruled out, the hosts' extra power proved decisive.

Twenty-four-year-old centre Darren Drury gave a solid showing in his first game for the club for nearly eight years.

Heworth 'A' are scheduled to visit fellow YL division three strugglers East Leeds 'A'.

York Groves are without a game this weekend.

Updated: 10:20 Thursday, January 23, 2003