NATIONAL Conference division two league leaders York Acorn are steeling themselves for a fourth win on the bounce.

The York ranks travel to the city of steel in good fettle ahead of the clash against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks.

Most punters would make them cast-iron certainties for victory. But the men from Thanet Road will not be taking anything for granted, especially as several key players are nursing troublesome injuries.

Powerful centre Gareth Lloyd (hamstring), loose forward Rob Lee (knee) and second rower Kenny Embleton (hamstring) are all rated highly doubtful.

Definitely out is goal-kicking full-back John Hough. He faces a six-week spell on the sidelines with a shoulder problem.

On the plus side Acorn will have second rower Alex Benn back for possible selection after missing last week's game due to other commitments.

Fortunately for Acorn they have an impressive 'A' team squad from which to draw from if necessary. With an away game at Keighley and a home encounter with Normanton to follow in the next few week's 34-8 conquest of Crosfields.

Tomorrow's hosts are an unpredictable outfit, even if they are propping up the rest of the division. The key to Acorn's chances will be the continued good form of their stand-off Darren Callaghan, who, since returning to the club in summer, has given Acorn's attack a new dimension.

Meanwhile York 'A' play hosts to undefeated Crofton in a top of the table Yorkshire League division four tussle also hoping to maintain their own impressive 100 per cent start to the season in which they have racked up 130 points in just two outings. Captain Paul Sawyer has been the main inspiration with five tries and nine goals, and has proved himself equally adept at playing at scrum half as he is as a winger, centre or full back. Prop forward Lee Brundett is struggling with an ankle injury, while centre Paul Payne has a leg strain. Definitely out is under-18s' stand-off Andy Gargan, who is unavailable.

Updated: 12:00 Thursday, September 13, 2001