A DAY trip to Blackpool awaits happy Heworth on Saturday, but it's cup and cheer not tower and pier that they are seeking.

After the heroics of last week's Challenge Cup defeat to Batley Bulldogs, the Villagers will look to hit Blackpool Stanley with a knockout blow as they turn their attentions to the GMB National Cup.

The second round tie, postponed last week because of the Challenge Cup taking precedence, sees the National Conference League side visit the North West Counties League division three stragglers.

And they are expected to return with a victory. "We don't know much about them but we should come away with a win," said spokesman Ken Sykes.

"We should be confident, especially after the good performances against Batley and the week before against York Acorn."

He added: "We would quite like to have a good run in this competition. The National Cup seems to be a competition in which you would want to get knocked out in the first round or get to the final."

Richard Darling (back) and Gavin Grant (leg) are doubts.

York Acorn have a much tougher cup contest in prospect. The Blue and Golds have home advantage but will face Cumberland League runaway leaders Wath Brow Hornets.

The Cumbrians have a 100 per cent league record and last week held Northern Ford Premiership giants Huddersfield to a 44-4 scoreline in the Challenge Cup.

Acorn spokesman Paul Lumby is in no doubts about the task facing his side. "We could not really have picked a harder draw," he said. "The way they performed against Huddersfield, who in a lot of respects are still a Super League outfit, proves they are a very good side.

"But these are the types of games where you look to see how your players react against the better teams. It is an ideal chance for them to prove their worth."

A wonder try by Johnny Waldron gave Acorn a 'golden point' victory over another Cumbrian outfit, Glasson Rangers, in round one. But they followed that up with a derby defeat to Heworth in their last game, while Wath Brow are likely to be a different proposition.

"We'll have to be at our very best to live with them, but we have not given up hope," said Lumby.

New Earswick All Blacks will have revenge in mind when they entertain Hunslet Warriors 'A' in Yorkshire League senior and division one.

Spokesman Charles Rollinson said: "They hammered us on the first day of the season, but I think it will be a lot closer on Saturday. They've struggled like we have for most of the season so we expect a closer game and hopefully we can register a win."

Jamie Daniel is unavailable but Rollinson added: "We'll look to have a full squad of 17 on the day after only going to Myton with 13 players last week."

York Groves, whose clash at Siddal 'B' last week was off due to a waterlogged pitch, face a tough Pennine League division four trip to third-placed Birkenshaw 'A'.

Disrupted by calls-up to the first team, York Acorn 'A' will hope to get back on track after a series of disjointed displays as they take on YL division three bottom club Allerton Bywater.

Selby Warriors, victors over Allerton last week, could do Acorn 'A' a favour by winning at Crofton, who lie below Acorn on points difference.

Players are asked to meet at New Inn at 12.30pm or Horse and Jockey 1pm, while, tonight, training is outside at Barlby High School (7pm start) so boots are required.

The game of the day in YL division four sees third-placed Heworth 'A' entertain second-placed Sherburn.

Updated: 11:43 Thursday, January 31, 2002