ASSURING victory will remain a higher priority for Heworth than racking up points as they look to extend their unbeaten run at home to Cottingham Tigers on Saturday.

The Villagers are one of only two teams in National Conference League division two with a 100 per cent record after four games, but they have scored just 77 points, the lowest out of all the teams in the top half of the table.

And while their points difference is just plus-21, leaders Castleford Panthers' is a staggering plus-222.

However, Heworth player-coach Brendan Carlyle is content just to keep on winning no matter the scoreline.

"I haven't particularly worried about scoring loads of points," he said. "I would not mind going all year winning by just one point, as it would mean we'd be promoted."

That said, Heworth - whose victories have so far been based on tremendous defence, especially against two promotion favourites - have worked on attack in training and Carlyle is hoping those efforts can be transmitted on to the pitch.

He said: "In the past week we've been working on more ball play. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can show we can score points as well as defend."

Carlyle will warn his troops that the Tigers will be no pushovers, despite their record of only one win this term.

He said: "Last year they had not won for about five games but they came here and turned us over. We don't want that to happen again."

Dan Briggs is in contention for a place in the pack after his return from Northern Ford Premiership outfit Hunslet Hawks and his availability will be a big boost for the side, especially as second-row Carl Barrow (knee) is a doubt.

Carlyle added: "Dan could come in but we'll have to think about it because it would be hard to drop anyone after the performances this season."

York Acorn could have six players returning as they look to bounce back from last week's defeat in which their depleted ranks were pipped by Cas Panthers.

Although Steven Irving and in-form second-row Carl Stannard are unavailable, prop Paul Dodsworth, stand-off Danny Liddell, winger Alan Wilitts, prop Lee McTigue (all unavailable), second-row Dave Norman (ankle) and forward Carl Rollinson (back) are all back in contention for the trip to Widnes St Marie's.

It will be Acorn's fourth away match of five games this season, and spokesman Paul Lumby said: "We might have to show patience early on but when we get control we must turn pressure into points and not get caught in a dogfight.

"The defence has been pretty good but our attack needs sharpening. With a bit of luck we could have been unbeaten but failure to hold the ball has been a problem and we must cut out the silly penalties."

Acorn 'A' have a good chance to get some Yorkshire League division two points as they host Ackworth, who were hammered last week by Selby Warriors.

Heworth 'A' visit unbeaten Mirfield in YL division three, while Selby Warriors have no fixture but urge all players to attend training tonight, 7-8.30pm.

Updated: 12:03 Thursday, September 26, 2002